Dyslexia
Dyslexia can be viewed as a specific learning difference. This term refers to the difference and challenges individuals have with a particular aspect of learning.
It primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling. Characteristic features of dyslexia are difficulties in phonological awareness, verbal memory, and verbal processing speed. Like everyone else, individuals with dyslexia are spread across a range of intellectual abilities.
Dyslexia support at York
The Dyslexia Peer Support Group meets online monthly for an hour. It's a confidential place where those with dyslexia can share their achievements, challenges and offer support to each other, normalising dyslexia and offering tools and techniques to maximise individual potential.
To join the group, please contact linda.brosnan@york.ac.uk who will add you to the Google Group and invite you to ongoing meetings.
If you’d like to find out more about dyslexia and the staff support group feel free to get in touch with one of our members:
- Lindsay Coomer, People & Organisational Development (lindsay.coomer
@york.ac.uk) - Vicky Wren, Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange (RIKE) (vicky.wren
@york.ac.uk) - Leigh Kristensen, Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange (RIKE) (leigh.kristensen
@york.ac.uk) - David Rowe, School for Business and Society (david.rowe
@york.ac.uk)
Resources and tools
Internal
- Subject guides - Accessibility and tech tips
- Guidance on supporting dyslexic staff and students - Dyslexia Peer Support Group (Internal use only)
External
- Made By Dyslexia – Redefining Dyslexia (madebydyslexia.org)
- British Dyslexia Association (bdadyslexia.org.uk)
- Assistive Technology for dyslexia (dyslexia.uk.net)
Come along to the Dyslexia Peer Support Group where we’ll share more of what we’ve found useful.
Supporting people with dyslexia
The best way of supporting anyone is to ask them what support they need. This is no different for those with dyslexia. They may not know that they have dyslexia, even so, focus on starting by asking them what they need. Give them time to think about this too. Remember that this won’t be a one-off conversation.