Under the terms of the 1993 Education Act, children with learning difficulties should be monitored and helped (within school if their problems are not severe and through outside agencies if they are more intractable). If special arrangements (such as extra time) or the use of a word processor are needed for GCSEs, the Headteacher must make a formal request for an Educational Psychologist to see the child - an application should be made near the start of the 2 year GCSE course.
A screening literacy test may show up problems and help offered. Otherwise, approach the Learning Support Co-ordinator. Procedures vary from college to college but learning support tutors are generally available and an assessment by a trained tutor or Educational Psychologist may be arranged. An assessment is generally needed if special arrangements (such as extra time) are required for examinations.
Any disabilities should be stated on the UCAS form - dyslexia is mentioned in the official list. If a student is to qualify for extra funding to buy equipment and / or tuition (the Disabled Student's Allowance) a full psychological assessment of not more than 2 years old is needed - the cost of this cannot always be reimbursed. If the assessment indicates that the dyslexic student will have difficulty on the course without support, a further technology assessment may be arranged at an Access Centre to check what equipment will be the most helpful. Check that the examination arrangements outlined in the report are specific and appropriate (some Educational Psychologists are more accustomed to dealing with children not students). Student Services should provide guidance and help.
At the Job Centre, a DEA (Disability Employment Adviser) is trained to handle clients with any registered disability - not all are clued up about dyslexia! An assessment of job related difficulties may be organised with an Occupational Psychologist and "rehabilitation" training may be offered. It is important that a dyslexic adult receives tuition from a trained dyslexia specialist. The Access to Work programme sets up a partnership between employers and the Employment Service to make "reasonable adjustments" to the working environment for the benefit of anyone with a disability. The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 lays down procedures if these adjustments are not made or if unfair dismissal occurs.
It is important to check whether your local Adult Education Centre offers literacy support classes specifically for adults with dyslexia; ordinary literacy provision is often inappropriate. Tutors should be trained through in-service courses, RSA Certificate or Diploma courses or Cynthia Klein’s programme to work with dyslexic adults.
This could take the form of a local support group, a call to the Adult Dyslexia Organisation helpline (0171 924 9559) or counselling, preferably from either a dyslexic counsellor or a counsellor with experience of dyslexia.
