Employer s responsibilities? Using ICT in the workplace to support dyslexics: Schools as dyslexia-wise employers. Employer s responsibilities?

Transcription

1 Using ICT in the workplace to support dyslexics: Schools as dyslexia-wise employers DDA applies to ALL employers Employer s responsibilities? Jeff Hughes, Chartered Educational Psychologist BDA Computer Committee and Box42 Ltd Schools know how to help children Presentation available as.pdf download Reasonable adjustments are possible What is Dyslexia? Employer s responsibilities? An unexpected difficulty especially in literacy DDA applies to ALL employers A syndrome of difficulties co-morbid with other syndromes Specific learning difficulties Can be a disability "a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities." Schools know how to help children Reasonable adjustments are possible 1

2 DDA applies to ALL employers TUC report links dyslexia to performance problems Report available from TUC Not recognising link could mean judging employee unfairly Many people not previously aware of their condition DDA guidance for schools from DfES TTA standards for academic and practical teaching skills Pre-admission skill tests in Literacy, Numeracy & ICT TTA guidance Able to teach DDA guidance for schools from DfES Regulations on physical & mental fitness to teach fitness to teach Sect Do schools and ITT providers know what can be done? Schools know how to help children Dyslexia as a literacy difficulty is now recognised Many schools are becoming Dyslexia Friendly Statements provide extra resources and support Access arrangements are made for external examinations 2

3 Reasonable adjustments are possible Reading Alternative communication Electronic text user can change font, size etc Additional resources Audible text recorded audio, text-to-speech Physical changes OCR create electronic version Organisational adjustments Reading pen read single words 3

4 Written communication Handwriting Start from outline or bullet points Word processing touch typing Templates for frequently used documents Word banks, word grids & overlays, word prediction to colleague for proof reading Voice input limitations: background noise & stress Style guide / grammar checking Handwriting recognition Spelling Number Hand held spelling checker can have speech output Hand held calculator can have speech output Electronic spell checker recognise dyslexic errors Electronic calculator with colour coding of operations Word bank or grid quick & accurate entry Spreadsheet pre-structured for data storage Word prediction and word completion Auto-dialling of telephone numbers 4

5 Recording information Record keeping Audio analogue and digital Spreadsheet pre-structured for data storage Visual graphics and photo images On-line data entry with version control Video analogue and digital PDA to record numerical data as they are collected Text type written and handwritten Electronic registration card and keyboard Memory and processing Visual Discomfort Notepad simple word processing Screen colours text & background menus & borders Organiser Diary with timed prompts, contacts, To Do lists Contrast and brightness , intranet and mobile resources always available Focus and resolution User controls rate of operation Size of display 5

6 Planning Marking Outliner facilities in word processor Pupils to submit work electronically Visual concept mapping Electronic mark book Dedicated lesson planning software OCR marking of multiple choice responses Item banks ready to use modules custom edited Electronic version of marking scheme Meetings Visual and coordination skills Agenda in advance electronic version sent by Graphics and presentation packages use clip art Minutes available immediately on intranet Ergonomic keyboard, rests & supports, document holder Audio Recording of session analogue or digital Roller, joystick or mouse trapper Live visual presentation of agenda and minutes Safe but accessible storage and packaging 6

7 Universal Adjustments All communication in verbal, paper and electronic modes Wireless networking with intranet access from home Computers, notebooks, tablets & PDAs used by everyone Training, maintenance, spares and support available Reasonable adjustments are possible The dyslexia-wise employer s principles Alternative communication projection, , intranet Understand what dyslexia is Additional resources tablet, PDA, spell checker Physical changes lighting, location/timetabling Organisational adjustments temporal, personal support & training Ensure access to information Identify the issues in the workplace Develop specialist knowledge and support Create a culture of confidence 7