Legislation - British Dyslexia Association (2024)

FAQs

What is the law on dyslexia in the UK? ›

In the right circ*mstances, someone who is dyslexic will be considered “disabled” and therefore their employer will have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to assist them in performing their duties at work. Failure to do so could potentially result in a discrimination claim.

Dyslexia can have a substantial and long term adverse effect on normal day to day activities, and is therefore a recognised disability under the Equality Act 2010.

Dyslexia qualifies as a protected disability under the ADA when it substantially limits reading and learning. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people with disabilities, including dyslexia, from employment discrimination. The law applies to both employees and job applicants with disabilities.

“The UK government announced in 1987 that they were dispelling 'a myth' – the myth that they did not believe in dyslexia,” said Dr Kirby. “Driven by parents and those with direct personal experience of the condition, the history of dyslexia mirrors that of other conditions, like autism.”

Because the Equality Act 2010 classifies dyslexia as a disability, all employers are duty-bound to make reasonable adjustments for candidates and employees. The types of reasonable adjustments may include giving extra time for tasks and providing assistive technology like captioning and note-taking software.

Yes, dyslexics are officially classified as "impaired." The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act specifically mentions dyslexia as a disability. Dyslexics are frequently covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Dyslexia and autism are two different types of disorders. Dyslexia is a learning disorder that involves difficulty interpreting words, pronunciations, and spellings. Autism or autistic spectrum disorder is a developmental disorder where the brain processes sound and colors in a manner different from an average brain.

As a result, dyslexia is known by enduring and sometimes contradictory myths, like that people who have it are all highly intelligent—or unintelligent and just not willing to admit it. Fortunately, science is starting to save dyslexia from those stereotypes.

Studies suggest that if a parent has dyslexia, their children have a 40% to 60% chance of also having dyslexia. Dyslexia is a prime example of the neurodiversity that exists within our society. Dyslexia, like other neurodivergent conditions, is linked to unique strengths and perspectives that enrich our world.

These individuals are legally entitled to special services to help them overcome and accommodate their learning problems. These laws also protect people with learning disabilities, dyslexia and ADHD against unfair and illegal discrimination.

Can you get SSI for a child with dyslexia? ›

The listing criteria for dyslexia for both children and adults are the same. First, the adult or child applicant must have significant difficulties learning and using academic skills. A moderate or severe form of dyslexia or illiteracy would likely fulfill this requirement.

Although most employers are able to legally fire their employees at will, ADA forbids employers from terminating employees with a disability. If you have been fired for performance problems caused by disability, you can file a lawsuit or wrongful termination claim against your employer.

Around 10% of the population is believed to have dyslexia, according to the British Dyslexia Association (BDA). If you have it, you might qualify for Personal Independence Payments (PIP). The benefit is designed to help those struggling with a health condition or disability.

Depending on which platform or resource you consult, you may come across answers as varied as, 'from 3-5%' to '1 in 5' or a rounded '20%'. Currently, the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) states that 10% of the UK population are dyslexic, of which 4% are severely affected.

In February 2022, we announced more than £45 million of continued targeted support for families and parents of children with SEND and SEND services. This includes funding that will directly support schools and colleges to work with pupils with SEND.

You may be entitled to receive a benefit from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) if your child has dyspraxia/attention deficit/dyslexia etc. DLA stands for Disability Living Allowance and it is not means tested, nor is it taxable.

A dyslexic child is almost always entitled to up to 25% extra time in exams. So, for a two-hour exam, your child might be allowed two-and-a-half hours.

Dyslexia is classified as a learning disability under state and federal special education law. The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) lists dyslexia as one of the conditions included in the definition of a “specific learning disability” covered by the act (20 USC § 1401(30)).