Dyslexia support

Each year there is a dyslexia screening programme for all first-year students, using innovative computer software that also diagnoses a student's preferred learning style. Many students have found this information informs their approach to learning.

We are able to offer the following services to students with dyslexia. Assessments are carried out on the Cornwall and Woodlane Campuses for the convenience of students.

• Diagnostic assessments undertaken by a suitably qualified person
• Technical assessments and assistance in applying for Disabled Students' Allowances
• Referral for specialist dyslexia tuition
• Specialist IT tuition
• Library assistance
• Help with literacy skills undertaken by the English Support Unit

In order to claim the Disabled Students' Allowance from their LEA, students with dyslexia need to undertake a diagnostic assessment carried out by a qualified person. This assessment has a cost to the student. In cases of financial hardship, help may be available - please talk to the Accessibility service manager.

The Accessibility Service can refer students to specialist dyslexia tutors who are qualified teachers, experienced in supporting students with dyslexia. These tutors assist students with organising their written work, and with research.

Dyslexia is legally described as a Specific Learning Difficulty or disability, but dyslexia has also been linked to the particular strengths, talents and skills that are associated with art and design, architecture, graphic design, film and theatre, and creative thinkers in all walks of life.

We believe that it is important for students and staff not affected by dyslexia to understand dyslexia as an alternative way of thinking, with learning differences and perceptual strengths, rather than focusing on the literacy and organisational difficulties that are often associated with dyslexia.

Dyslexia signs

Dyslexia is a difficulty with language processing that is independent of intelligence, school experience, social, economic or emotional factors. A student with dyslexia may:

• Experience persistent, severe problems with spelling
• Have problems ordering things sequentially, such as letters, numbers, words or ideas, in written and oral work
• Take longer to read set texts or examination papers
• Misread or miscopy
• Have difficulty with multiple activities such as listening and taking notes in lectures
• Have difficulty finding their way round campus to reach the right room at the right time
• Experience high levels of stress, which may be linked to worry about disclosing their impairment

But he/she may also:

• Have particular strengths in problem solving skills, creative and original thought and visual-spatial skills (such as artistic and design abilities)
• Be a holistic thinker – capable of seeing more than one way round an issue.