Lifestyle

Dyslexia: Empowering university students

By ResidenceLifeAssistant 27 Sep 2023

Dyslexia Awareness Week is a significant yearly event ( 2nd - 8th October) devoted to bringing dyslexia to light, raising awareness, and encouraging understanding. This week provides a good chance for university students to learn about dyslexia, help colleagues who may be affected by it, and push for a more inclusive academic environment.

Dyslexia is a neurological condition that affects reading, writing, and spelling, irrespective of a person's intelligence. It is not uncommon for students with dyslexia to face various challenges, such as decoding words, spelling, and organising thoughts coherently on paper. However, it is essential to remember that dyslexic individuals often possess unique strengths, such as strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and resilience.

a couple of people that are sitting on a bench

University Students Matter - Dyslexia Support

1. Peer Support -

In university environments, dyslexia is frequently undiagnosed or unsupported. Dyslexia Awareness Week allows students to learn how to recognise the symptoms of dyslexia and offer assistance to their peers who may be suffering from it.

2. Inclusivity -

University students can help to create a more inclusive campus climate by actively engaging in Dyslexia Awareness Week. This includes pushing for accessible resources, informing academics and staff about dyslexia, and encouraging acceptance and understanding among peers.

3. Career Guidance -

When it comes to producing resumes and cover letters, dyslexic students may confront special obstacles. During Dyslexia Awareness Week, all students can benefit from understanding dyslexia and lobbying for inclusive hiring practises.

a group of people sitting in a chair in front of a laptop

Involvement and Awareness

During Dyslexia Awareness Week, several universities and student organisations conduct activities and workshops. Attend these events to learn more about dyslexia, its effects, and how you may be an ally.

Share information about Dyslexia Awareness Week on your social media platforms or through your university's communication channels. Highlight personal experiences, facts, and resources about dyslexia.

Encourage your university to implement inclusive practises. This can include requesting accessible course materials, encouraging universal design in teaching, and ensuring that testing venues are favourable to the needs of dyslexic students.

Contribute to or volunteer with organisations dedicated to dyslexia awareness and support. Your participation can help support research and provide services for people who have dyslexia.

Remember that dyslexia does not limit an individual's ability; with the correct help and knowledge, anyone may thrive academically and professionally. So, let us embrace Dyslexia Awareness Week as a catalyst for good change in our campus communities.

For further information :

https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/support-us/awareness-events/dyslexia-awareness-week

https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/dyslexia-awareness-week-2023/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/dyslexia-awareness-week-teaching-resources/zkw7qfr

https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/event/2022-10-03/dyslexia-week

https://www.dyslexialondon.org/?utm_medium=adwords&utm_source=expanded%20text%20ad&utm_campaign=dyslexia&utm_content=dal%20homepage&gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpc-oBhCGARIsAH6ote9BwCn7Wd6HX23vgS08WsV7c7wtr_NEwF9jLnMGicr7fajzzKc1cmcaAso4EALw_wcB