| What is Dyslexia? | |
| Could dyslexia affect you? | |
| How Dyslexia can affect your study? | |
| What to do if you think you are Dyslexic | |
| Declaring Dyslexia | |
| What to do if you are assessed as a student with Dyslexia | |
What is
Dyslexia?
The word ‘dyslexia’ comes from Greek meaning 'difficulty with
words'. Some research has suggested that in dyslexic
people there is a difference in the anatomy, organisation and
functioning in the area of the brain which deals with language,
and that they often have a larger right hemisphere.
The BDA (the British Dyslexia
Association) state that '...Dyslexia is a combination of
abilities and difficulties that affect the learning process in
one or more of reading, spelling and writing.'
Dyslexia can occur at any level of intellectual ability.
The effects of a specific learning disability can be
mitigated by skilled specialist teaching and committed learning.
Dyslexic people can possess strengths in visual and
spatial abilities, original thought and creativity, and these
strengths (together with hard work and commitment) can enable
them to do well in their studies and excel in a wide range of
careers.
| Dyslexia isn't | A reading difficulty alone |
| A result of low intelligence | |
| An impediment to an academic career | |
| A result of poor eye sight or hearing, or emotional problems |
How dyslexia
can affect your study?
Students with dyslexia may experience difficulties in one or
more of the following areas:
-
reading
-
note-taking
-
spelling, grammar and punctuation
-
organising and expressing ideas in writing
-
handwriting
-
time management, and/or
-
memory
Also there may be other issues related to a specific learning disability that can prevent a student from achieving their full potential.
Could dyslexia be
affecting you?
Maybe you are having problems with reading, or spelling, or
writing, or with organising your work.
Do you seem to work harder than other people on your
course and still get poorer results?
Has a friend or tutor suggested you might be dyslexic?
Or are there other members of your family who are
dyslexic. If so,
then it may
be that you are dyslexic.
What to do if you think you are
dyslexic
If you think you may be dyslexic then you should contact the Dyslexia and Neurodiversity Advisers in the Student Support and Guidance Department. You can do this via the i-zone or by emailing dyslexia@canterbury.ac.uk. The Advisers will then arrange an individual screening test with you to see if you may have a specific learning difficulty. If it looks as though you have, then appropriate arrangements will be put in place to formally assess you and see if any appropriate support arrangements are needed.
If you have already been formally assessed for a Specific
Learning Difficulty, and have a recent Educational
Psychologist’s Report, then you need to formally notify us that
you have dyslexia.
If you did not declare dyslexia or any other Specific Learning
Difficulty on your application form, you may declare it at any
time during your programme of study.
You should do this by emailing the details to
dyslexia@canterbury.ac.uk
to arrange an appointment with the Dyslexia and Neurodiversity
Advisers - you will need to bring a copy of your Educational
Psychologist’s report with you to the appointment.
Students with reports from school or college should be
aware that in order to claim funding for any support at
University level an up-to-date report, completed since the age
of 16 by an independent Educational Psychologist, will be
needed. You should
contact the Dyslexia and Neurodiversity Advisers if you think
your assessment report may not meet these criteria.
Once you have a valid report that clearly states you are
dyslexic, you must then contact the Dyslexia and Neurodiversity
Advisers, and also contact your funding body (eg Student Finance
England) to apply for the Disabled Students Allowance.
This will provide you with funds to support you in
respect of your dyslexia etc and your studies.
Unlike at school/college, the disability funding at
University level goes to the student and not the institution.
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What to do once you
have been formally assessed as dyslexic
Once you have been formally assessed as dyslexic, you should
make your tutors aware of your particular needs, as identified
in the Educational Psychologist’s report.
If you feel uncomfortable doing this, or wish the
information to remain confidential, please discuss this with the
Dyslexia and Neurodiversity Advisers, who will be able to help
you and advise on confidentiality issues.
For those on programmes with formal written assessments,
it is essential that you contact the Dyslexia Adviser to discuss
any additional arrangements that need to be put in place to
support you.
International students with dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties
International (including EU students) need to be aware of the
support that is available for you at the University and will
need to approach your national funding body (ie in your home
country), to see if they can provide support for your dyslexia
needs. You will also
need to make an appointment with the Dyslexia and Neurodiversity
Advisers to discuss your needs and how they might be met.