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Dyslexia Guide
This information is for Lancaster University students and gives you two different kinds of advice:-
The First Part tells you what to do if you think you are dyslexic but have not had an assessment and diagnosis
The Second Part tells you about the support available while you are a student at Lancaster and what you need to do to make sure you qualify for the support.
1. So you think you may be dyslexic?
Perhaps you are having problems with reading, spelling or writing or organising your work. Perhaps a friend or tutor has suggested you might be dyslexic. Perhaps someone in your family is dyslexic. What do you do?
First speak to somebody:-
- Debbie Hill, Disabilities Adviser Tel: 01524 592111
- Faculty Student Learning Adviser can be contacted through your department
These people will help you talk through the situation. They may suggest you test yourself on a computerised screening programme. This is easy to use and can give valuable information about your learning style. If you then decide that you wish to have a formal assessment, the Disabilities Service will help you arrange this.
Diagnostic assessments are not cheap. They cost around £380. You will be responsible for paying for this assessment but if you are in financial difficulties, you can apply for help from the Access to Learning Fund. You can get information about this from the Student Support Service.
2. You know you are dyslexic.
What support is available?
What do you need to do?
Start by discussing your support needs with the Disabilities Adviser, Debbie Hill. Her office is in Student Based Services and you can book an appointment by contacting us. She will discuss the range of support available and how to fund it.
Types of Support
Letting your academic departments know that you have dyslexia.
Discuss this with Debbie Hill. She can provide a summary of your learning needs for your departments.
You might also like to know what advice academic staff receive about teaching dyslexic students.
You can find this at: http://www.lancs.ac.uk/sbs/staff/disabilityteachingguide.htm
Learning Support
A range of learning support is available at Lancaster. If you are not sure which is best for you, have a word with Debbie Hill. Here are the main services.
The University's Student Learning Development Centre provides support for all students. Study Support for dyslexia students is integrated into the work of the Centre. Services include:
- regular study skills sessions throughout the academic year
- additional academic writing support
- advice on study problems and strategies.
Effective Learning Programme
A general study skills programme running through the academic year on Wednesday afternoons. No booking needed.
Information from Moira Peelo,
Student Learning Development Centre:
email: learningdevelopment@lancaster.ac.uk
Dyslexia Drop-in Sessions
A chance to discuss issues informally with a study support tutor. Held in Student Learning Development Centre (SLDC) every Friday in term time 1.00 pm - 2.00 pm. Contact the SLDC to check availability on ext. 92391.
Dyslexia support tutor
If appropriate, we can put you in touch with a dyslexia tutor outside the University. You will need to pay for this service. Check the section Money Matters
Using the library
If you need help in using the library catalogue, finding books, photocopying and extending the loan period of books, contact Fiona Rhodes on ext. 92519.
Equipment (tape recorders or computers)
If you need a computer or other equipment, we will be able to advise about what to buy and support in getting to know your new equipment.
Examinations and other timed tests
You may qualify for special examination arrangements such as extra time, the use of a word processor, dictating to a scribe or help in accurate reading of a question paper. Arrange this as soon as possible in the academic year with Debbie Hill.
Money Matters
If you are studying a full or part-time course at undergraduate or postgraduate level, and are normally resident in the UK, you may be eligible for Disabled Students Allowances.
You can use these to cover extra costs such as for equipment, extra tuition outside the University or some of the cost of an up-date to your assessment. Debbie can advise you about claiming these allowances.
What you need to do
Make sure your assessment is up-to-date. Most dyslexic students at Lancaster need a reassessment during their degree studies. The sooner you get this organised the better. Discuss with our disabilities officer the various learning support arrangements available.
Organise alternative examination arrangements well in advance of examination dates.
Think carefully about the equipment you will need to help you get through your particular course.
Get some help in reaching these decisions. Remember - you don't need to do any of this on your own.
Best starting places for help
Student Wellbeing Services, Disabilities Service, Disabilities Officer telephone for an appointment on ext. 92525.
Effective Learning Tutor: telephone for an appointment with a study tutor on ext. 92391
