Dyslexia Awareness Week

Dyslexia affects a significant proportion of the UK population. Estimates from the British Dyslexia Association indicate that between 6 and 7 million people have dyslexia, representing around 10% of the population. In higher education, data consistently shows that specific learning differences—dyslexia included—represent a substantial proportion of declared disabilities among students.

Dyslexia Awareness Week provides an important opportunity to highlight the experiences of individuals with dyslexia, challenge outdated misconceptions, and promote the support available across education and employment.

Understanding Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a specific learning difference that primarily affects the processing of written and sometimes spoken language. Challenges may include reading accuracy, spelling, writing speed, and working memory. However, dyslexia is also associated with a range of strengths, including creativity, problem‑solving, big‑picture thinking, visual reasoning, and strong verbal communication skills.

Despite growing awareness, misconceptions persist. Historically, individuals with dyslexia have often faced unfair assumptions about intelligence or motivation. These misconceptions can lead to negative experiences in school or university, including reduced confidence and limited access to support.

A Long History of Recognition

Dyslexia has been recognised for well over a century, first described as a medical condition by Dr Rudolf Berlin in 1887. Since then, understanding of the condition has advanced considerably. However, awareness and provision of support continue to vary, highlighting the importance of ongoing public education and equitable access to services.

Potential and Achievement

Many individuals with dyslexia achieve exceptional success across a wide range of fields. Creative industries, business, science, innovation, and sport all include highly influential figures with dyslexia. Their achievements demonstrate that dyslexia is not a measure of capability but simply a difference in how information is processed.

These examples also reflect what is seen across schools, colleges, and universities every year: with appropriate understanding and the right support in place, students with dyslexia excel academically and professionally.

Creating Inclusive Learning Environments

Educational settings play a crucial role in ensuring that learners with dyslexia can access and apply their strengths. Support may include:

• Assistive technology
• Adjustments to teaching and assessment
• Alternative formats for reading materials
• Additional time for tasks or examinations
• Structured support to develop study strategies

Removing unnecessary barriers allows individuals to demonstrate their true potential.

Support Through Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA)

Students with dyslexia entering or already in higher education may be eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA). DSA is a non‑repayable grant designed to help remove study‑related barriers.

Depending on need and funding‑body approval, support may include:

• A study‑capable laptop (with a small student contribution, where applicable)
• Text‑to‑speech software for more accessible reading and proofreading
• Speech‑to‑text software for written assignments
• Note‑taking or lecture‑capture tools
• Specialist one‑to‑one study skills support
• Allowances for printing and related study costs

All support is tailored to individual requirements and subject to assessment and approval.

Our Commitment

Recognising and supporting dyslexia is essential to ensuring equal access to education, training, and employment. Dyslexia Awareness Week serves as a reminder that:

• Dyslexia is common
• Dyslexia is not a measure of intelligence
• With the right support, individuals with dyslexia achieve highly
• Diversity of thinking brings significant value to society

For students, parents, or professionals seeking further guidance, Access2Learn can provide information on DSA eligibility and the support available to learners with dyslexia.

Additional information about Dyslexia Awareness Week can be found via the British Dyslexia Association.