Janice McClelland

Become a Dyslexia friendly organisation

This blog opens up the topical discussion of how organisations can best support staff with hidden disabilities such as dyslexia.

The easiest way to support staff with dyslexia is to develop a Dyslexia Friendly culture within your organisation. One of our Texthelpers, Janice McClelland, has taken some time to list the top ways in which you can encourage a dyslexia friendly culture within your business.

Have nominated dyslexic champions

Elect ’go-to’ people who understand the condition and who can offer support to staff

Educate

Let managers and team leaders know about the effects of dyslexia and encourage them to look for signs in staff in order to support them. Dyslexic employees face particular challenges and often experience work related stress which can result in absenteeism. But a fully supported employee with dyslexia brings unique talents, like ‘outside the box’ thinking, creativity and a different perspective.

Assistive technology

Dyslexia software for adults can offer much needed literacy support to dyslexic staff, as well as being used as a general productivity improver for all staff.  Think about installing assistive technology on all your computers, laptops and devices, where is can be used by everyone without singling out dyslexic staff.  

Communicate

Tell your staff that you’re a Dyslexia-Friendly organisation and let everyone know that assistive technology support is available. This is particularly important during recruitment and induction processes -  and as part of an ongoing staff wellbeing programme.

Be proud to be a Dyslexia Friendly organisation

Get on social media and let the world know!

By taking steps to be more dyslexia friendly you’re not only recognising the unique talents of existing dyslexic employees, but encouraging recruitment from a wider talent pool which reflects the diverse range of customers you serve and the communities in which you are based.

If you have any other tips on how to encourage organisations to become Dyslexia Friendly, pop them in the comments below.