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

2. 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
Dyslexia Association of Ireland

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. What’s in a word? Interpretation is key…

7. 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

8. 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

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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

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