DYSLEXIA:
a handbook for students
Opening Hours
Telephone
Location
9am - 4.30pm Mon to Fri
01895 265213
Rm 315 Bannerman Centre
disability@brunel.ac.uk
The Academic Skills Service (ASK)
See website for details
01895 266147
Ground floor of the Library
ask@brunel.ac.uk
Library
See website for details
01895 266154
Bannerman Centre
library@brunel.ac.uk
Assistive Technology Centre
9am - 9pm Mon to Fri 12-5pm Sat 12-9pm Sun
01895 266348
Rm 313 Bannerman Centre
assistive-technology @brunel.ac.uk
West London Assessment Centre
9am - 4.30pm Mon to Fri
01895 266704
Rm 313 Bannerman Centre
assessmentcentre @brunel.ac.uk
Placement & Careers Centre
9am - 4.45pm Mon to Fri
01895 266840
1st Floor Bannerman Centre
careers@brunel.ac.uk
Disability and Dyslexia Service
Contents
What is dyslexia?
1
How do I get support?
3
What support can I get?
5
Study skills support
7
Frequently Asked Questions
9
Glossary of terms
11
Further contacts
12
in their own words...
What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty (SpLD), a term given to a range of conditions also including dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and attention deficit disorder. These conditions often overlap but dyslexia is the most common. Most people with dyslexia will have struggled with reading and writing at school. This is because they find it difficult to break words down into individual sounds, and to remember sounds in the right order. They also find it difficult to find the right sound for a letter, and vice versa. It is a lifelong condition, and for most adults with dyslexia, reading, spelling and writing are not automatic. Speaking and organisation skills are also sometimes affected.
Dyslexia runs in families and is thought to affect between 5% 10% of the population. All people with dyslexia have strengths and many have amazing talents. Dyslexia is not related to intelligence.
There are two sides to the brain – a left and a right hemisphere. The left side is better at reading, writing, maths, logic, details, lists etc - while the right side is better at art, colour, intuitive ideas, creative and practical tasks, and seeing the ‘big picture’. People with dyslexia tend to be right brain thinkers. 1
Spoken language
Right-hand control
Left
Left-hand control
Insight
Right
Reasoning
Art awareness
Scientific skills
Imagination
Number skills
Written language
3-D forms
Music awareness
2
Step 1: Screening Unless you have a full dyslexia report, dated after the age of 16, the first step is to see an adviser for a ‘screening’ appointment. If you do have an up to date report, go straight to step 3. Screening will take about an hour and if the adviser thinks you might be dyslexic, they will refer you for a diagnostic assessment. At this time the adviser may recommend some support – for example, extended library loans.
How do I get support?
If the screening does not show signs of dyslexia, help can be provided by the university’s Academic Skills Service (ASK).
Step2: Diagnostic Assessment A diagnostic assessment takes about three hours and includes a discussion about your education, health, family history as well as a number of tests. After about 2 weeks, you’ll receive a report which will give a diagnosis, describe your strengths and weaknesses and make some recommendations for support. Step 3: What next? Once you receive your report you should make an appointment with an adviser who will talk it through and help you apply for Disabled Students’ Allowances (if applicable). The adviser may also record 3
Step 4: Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) As a dyslexic student you can apply for DSAs to cover the cost of any support you require. This may include: computer/laptop software study skills tuition printer, scanner, recording device, spellchecker readers, scribes, note-takers, proof readers software/hardware training book, photocopying and consumables allowances some recommendations for support on a Support Profile, which is then sent, with your permission, to your academic school and passed on to your lecturers and anyone else who needs to know.
DSAs come from your funding body (usually Student Finance England or the NHS) and do not need to be paid back. If you would like assistance with applying for DSAs, please get in touch.
Step 5: Needs Assessment If your DSA application is approved, you will be asked to have a needs assessment to work out, in detail, exactly what support you need and how much it’ll cost. The assessment lasts about 2 hours and takes place at an assessment centre such as the West London Assessment Centre, based at Brunel. Step 6: The Needs Assessment Report You’ll then be sent a report which will also be sent to your funding body for approval. Once you receive this, you should get in touch with us to discuss the recommendations and get help with ordering equipment and putting support in place - remember, we won’t arrange any support without discussing it with you first. 4
Assistive Technology
The Assistive Technology Centre (ATC) provides a range of equipment that can make studying easier for people with dyslexia. Equipment: mind-mapping software text to speech software voice recognition software portable note-taking devices recorders to record lectures networked PCs, printing, photocopying and scanning facilities a range of equipment to loan to students.
What support can I get?
In the ATC, help is at hand if you want to learn more about the different types of assistive technology - you can either drop in to try things out, or make an appointment.
Exam Arrangements
If you are recommended support for exams you will need to contact the Disability and Dyslexia Service (DDS). Support may include: extra time and/or rest breaks exam support worker (usually a scribe or reader) use of a computer use of an individual room It is strongly recommended that you contact your academic school one month before your exams to check arrangements are in place. 5
Library Support
The following services can be provided by the library: extended loans: you can have the loan period for borrowing some books extended mediated photocopying: request items for photocopying and collect the following day book fetching: submit requests for books online and collect them the following day borrowing non-loan items: in exceptional circumstances you can even borrow some reference books coloured photocopying paper: coloured paper can be provided. For library contact details see inside front cover.
the equal opportunities form, in a covering letter, before or at the interview. We can also help you describe your dyslexia in a positive way, highlighting what your dyslexia has taught you and focusing on your strengths, experience and skills.
Support on Placement Help is also available on placement. You can discuss what support you may need, as well as whether you wish to disclose your dyslexia or not. This is up to you but do remember that if people don’t know, they can’t support you. We can advise on when to ‘disclose’ - on the application form, medical questionnaire,
Support that could be available on placement includes: pre-placement visits use of assistive technology guidance on managing your workload spoken rather than written instructions templates for report writing extra time to read reports a ‘proof-reader’ for checking important documents. 6
Study skills tutors provide specialist one-to-one study support. They work with students to help them develop strategies for their studies. Study skills sessions include: Strategies to develop skills in: Planning assignments Spelling and grammar Reading and note-taking Preparation of presentations Revision and exam techniques Time management and organisation Numeracy In addition, tutors may help with improving motivation, concentration and self-esteem.
Study skills
support
Study skills sessions do not include: Subject-specific support Proof reading
Correction of essay and assignment content Counselling. How can I make the most of sessions? Be very clear what you want to achieve by the end of the session. Take an active part in your own learning. Bring all relevant materials with you (e.g. assignment briefs, feedback etc). Bring your diary to every session. You can also work on developing your own independent study strategies. Some suggestions can be found on the diagram opposite.
7
Colour code your timetable so you can see at a glance what subjects you have each day.
Make good use of extended library loans. The Disability and Dyslexia Service can arrange these for you.
Use your creative mind to the maximum. Use colour and labelling to identify key points. Separate sections of information into different subject areas.
Use highlighters, coloured stickers, paper, dividers and page markers etc.
Use mind maps and spider diagrams to set out your work. They can be used for planning essays, summarising notes, seeing where your work fits into the module as a whole, and for revision.
Make a wall chart to show assignment deadlines. Then you can plan specific times to work on tasks.
Save lecture notes on your iPod so you can listen to them whenever you want.
Remember to date all of your written notes and add the module title and lecturer. Try to be organised. Use labelled and colour coded box and lever arch files and filing trays. Sort your notes and handouts into subject areas and modules. Have different files and shelf/table areas for different subjects so you can find all you need easily.
8
Should I be worried about being labelled as ‘dyslexic’? When you are diagnosed with dyslexia, it is important to remember that the diagnosis is confidential and is not shared with anyone outside the Disability and Dyslexia Service without your permission. It’s also worth remembering that the diagnosis simply gives a name to difficulties you’re already aware of. Nothing has changed and you have earned your place at university regardless. What’s the point of having a diagnostic assessment?
Frequently Asked
Questions
A diagnostic assessment provides you with an official diagnosis of dyslexia or other SpLD. This can then be used to apply for DSAs and other support such as extra
time in exams. Additionally, it describes your areas of strengths and weaknesses so that you can better understand how you learn and what strategies work best for you. Will my degree certificate indicate that I have dyslexia or received extra time in exams? No, degree certificates are the same for all students regardless of disability or support received. Can I get extensions for my assignments? No, university policy does not allow extensions to be given for assignments unless there are mitigating circumstances. If there is anything that prevents you from submitting work on time, you should contact your academic school to discuss the situation. 9
How long will it take for me to get my DSA?
No, but if you have any problems with accessing the recommended support then this may be a mitigating circumstance and you should contact the Disability and Dyslexia Service.
It varies. We can help you through the process but you need to respond to funding body letters as quickly as you can. Leaving letters unread will make the process longer… While you’re waiting, some support can be arranged – such as equipment loans, extra time in exams and extended library loans.
Can students indicate their dyslexia on exam papers? No, at Brunel all exams and assessments are marked anonymously. No indication is given that a student has dyslexia or any other disability. The university is committed to ensuring that all students receive the appropriate support throughout their course and during exams to ensure they are able to work to the best of their academic ability.
Will the DSA pay towards my tuition fees or living costs? No, the DSA will only fund additional costs that a student has as a direct result of being disabled. Who can I contact for more information? The Disability and Dyslexia Service - see inside front cover.
in their own words...
Is having dyslexia a mitigating circumstance?
10
Glossary of terms
Assistive technology - computer software and hardware which helps support your study needs. Consent - letting us tell others about your dyslexia so they can support you. Diagnostic assessment - a formal assessment carried out by a psychologist or specialist teacher that provides a diagnosis of a specific learning difficulty. Disclosure – telling other people about your dyslexia. DSA - Disabled Students’ Allowances – funding which helps to pay for the extra support you need on your course as a direct result of your dyslexia. Academic Skills Service (ASK) offers students support with essay writing, time management, presentation skills, and statistics.
Mitigating circumstances - any difficulties or unforeseen events that may have affected coursework/exams. Needs assessment - a formal assessment to decide what technology and support you might need at university. Reader - a person who reads the questions aloud in an exam. A reader can also read back what you have written. Screening - an informal discussion to decide if a diagnostic assessment is needed. Scribe/ amanuensis - a person who writes or types what you dictate in an exam. Support Profile - a document used by the Disability and Dyslexia Service to inform your academic school of your recommended support. 11
Abilitynet (information on dyslexia and technology) Tel: 0800 269545 Email: enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk Web: www.abilitynet.co.uk
Adult Dyslexia Association Web: www.adult-dyslexia.org
A Framework for Understanding Dyslexia Web: www.dfes.gov.uk/ readwriteplus/understanding dyslexia/
Dyspraxia Foundation Tel: 01462 454986 Web: www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk
Study Skills for Students with Dyslexia (University of Sheffield) Web: http://dyslexstudyskills. group.shef.ac.uk
Technology for dyslexia Web: www.dyslexic.com/
Being Dyslexic www.beingdyslexic.co.uk
Using English for Academic Purposes - a guide for students in Higher Education (University of Hertfordshire)
British Dyslexia Association
Web: www.uefap.com/writing
Tel: 0118 966 827 Email: helpline@bdadyslexia.org.uk Web: www.bdadyslexia.org.uk
Further contacts
Dyslexia at College Web: www.dyslexia-college.com
Dyslexia A 2 Z Web: www.dyslexiaa2z.com 12
4-8 wks
2-4 wks
2-4 wks
Up to a wk
Approximate time frame
Letter confirming funding Support in place
Discuss report with Adviser
Needs Assessment
DSA approval letter
Apply for Disabled Students’ Allowances
Yes, I am dyslexic
Tel: 01895 266147
Contact the Academic Skills Service
At each stage, your support will be recorded on a Support Profile which, with your agreement, will be sent to your lecturers and tutors
No, I’m not dyslexic
Discuss report with Adviser
Diagnostic Assessment
Screening
Contact the Disability and Dyslexia Service
I think I may be dyslexic
How to get the support you need