Dyslexia and Impacts National Forum on Guidance, 18th October 2017 Michelle Kinsella Development Officer Adult Services Donald Ewing Head of Psychological And Educational Services

Dyslexia Association of Ireland 14/10/2017 Dyslexia Association of Ireland Charity providing services, lobbying and advocacy Training for teachers, parents, students, professionals Educational Psychology Service Information and Advice Service Nationwide Network of Branches and Workshops mkinsella@dyslexia.ie donaldewing@dyslexia.ie Dyslexia Association of Ireland

Some Facts About Dyslexia 14/10/2017 Some Facts About Dyslexia Dyslexia affects 10% of the population It is NOT related to intelligence It does manifest in various ways for individuals. No two people with dyslexia have the same profile or experiences Dyslexia IS covered by disability legislation in Ireland. Dyslexia Association of Ireland

Quantitative Results from 2017 Survey 14/10/2017 Quantitative Results from 2017 Survey 56% report a lack of support from school and/or college 63% express concern about their confidence and self- esteem 64% of respondents cite lack of funds as a barrier to accessing supports 76% report feeling anxious about their future work/study engagements Dyslexia Association of Ireland

So Why Do We Have A Problem? 14/10/2017 So Why Do We Have A Problem? At present a full psychological educational assessment is required in order to determine dyslexia. In order to receive accommodations and supports at FET a psychological report is ‘often’ required. There is a limited service available at primary and second level and no state provision for assessment of adults. Private assessment is the only option for adults and the cost for accessing an educational psychologist = €500-€800 There is a lack of shared understanding across services about how to support individuals with dyslexia. Dyslexia Association of Ireland

What’s in a word? Interpretation is key…

The Current Situation at FET 14/10/2017 The Current Situation at FET There are 16 Education and Training Boards across Ireland. At present, we do not have a national policy in place as to how individuals with dyslexia/specific learning difficulties are supported. Q. What impact does this have on learners? The implications of a lack of standard national policy imply that geography and ‘ability to pay’ may enhance or hinder Further Education and Training outcomes for the individual. Dyslexia Association of Ireland

Qualitative Results from 2017 Survey 14/10/2017 Qualitative Results from 2017 Survey “I think the tide is turning, but as an adult with dyslexia, I feel very ashamed of it. My work requires a lot of writing and I feel like I have to hide it on a daily basis.” “Very angry that my difficulties were not picked up on while in school … feel it would have changed the path my life went in.” “On the plus side I’ve had to work harder on problem- solving and communicating with people differently.” Dyslexia Association of Ireland

What can we do improve the situation? FET Employment Supports Guidance

Risk Factors Caused by Dyslexia 14/10/2017 Risk Factors Caused by Dyslexia Behaviour: challenging, inappropriate, drug use Psychology: Self-esteem, confidence, motivation. Mental health: stress, anxiety, coping, thriving Organisational skills: timetables, deadlines, flex Underdeveloped help-seeking skills “Understanding the relationship between reading difficulties, self-esteem and behaviour problems are essential to the development of effective prevention and intervention strategies” (Terras, Thompson and Minnis, 2009) Dyslexia Association of Ireland

Dyslexia Assessment We’re not getting this bit right 14/10/2017 Dyslexia Assessment We’re not getting this bit right Driven by resource allocation ‘rules’ and precedent, Rather than evidence and needs of clients Resistance to change The numbers argument Trained and supported front-line colleagues Psychologists “on-call” Dyslexia Association of Ireland

Dyslexia Support Adults’ needs different from young people 14/10/2017 Dyslexia Support Adults’ needs different from young people Range of options – fix vs dodge the problems Confidence, motivation and momentum Bad days and good days Empathy, care, hope, second chances Dyslexia Association of Ireland

The Future Who is best placed to assess and support? 14/10/2017 The Future Who is best placed to assess and support? Assessment/support =free and at point of need Don’t freak out. Get aware and skilled. Positives and Strengths. Balance with difficulties. Normalise it. Say the D word. Just do it. Partnership? We can’t do this alone GCs huge part of the solution Dyslexia Association of Ireland

Take Home Messages We need agreed assessment policy shared by all partners in the sector Assessment needs to be free at the point of need, everywhere in the country The numbers and money argument highlights teacher based assessment as the way forward With psychologists as trainers and consultants

If we get it right…what would someone say in a survey in 2020?