The Learning Support team is promoting Dyslexia Awareness Week this week at Exeter College as part of the British Dyslexia Association’s (BDA) Dyslexia Awareness Week whose theme is ‘Focus on Dyslexia’.

Staff and students are being encouraged to explore and use the dyslexia friendly Assistive Technology that is available in the college and also software downloadable free from the internet. The Dyslexia team is available to staff and students throughout the week across the college to answer any questions or queries specifically on dyslexia and provide practical tips and strategies to help with study skills or other common issues.

“We have a strong focus on disability awareness and support,” said Malcolm Walsh, Assistant Principal, Exeter College, ” and our teams work with students across the college and throughout the year. The Dyslexia Awareness Week helps us raise the profile of the issue and the support we can give – it is reported that Dyslexia affects 1 in 10 people in the UK. Making text accessible is an important step in providing equal access for students with dyslexia and reading difficulties and technology can provide the solution – that’s why we’re encouraging staff and students to use the assistive technology we have that provides support for reading and writing.”

Staff at the college are also trained to recognise the affects of dyslexia, particularly if students are not already aware. Many students do not reveal their difficulties, but the college is keen to ensure all get the support they need. The pressures of studying can lead to a high level of anxiety and dyslexia can accentuate this and create even more stress.

Malcolm Walsh added “It’s important that a student gets the chance to talk, to know they are being listened to and understood. Our Learning Support team can give them the chance to see practical solutions to the issues they may be having with their assignments and work.”

For further information, call Sylvia Jarman on 01392 205585, 07800 745855 or sylviajarman@exe-coll.ac.uk