Dyslexia and Specific Learning Difficulties

Support for students with Dyslexia and/or Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) is available from Student Support, specifically from the Disability Team

In order to access support, you will need to supply a copy of the report that confirms your diagnosis.
 
Assessment for dyslexia
If you have not already been assessed and if you have reason to believe you might be dyslexic, you should call into Student Support and discuss this with a member of the Disability Team.  
 
If after the discussion it is felt you would benefit from a formal assessment, the University will often be able to arrange this for you.  Whilst the university will meet most of the cost of an assessment there is a student contribution of £35 required (there may also be some restrictions on funding for overseas students for a full assessment)
 
You may wish to arrange your own private assessment which should be with an educational psychologist or specialist teacher who is used to testing adults. This can be done using the British Psychological Society or the British Dyslexia Association.

A formal assessment is very thorough and usually takes about two hours. The assessor will be friendly and helpful and you should not worry about going to see them.
 
The University will receive a copy of the report, usually within a couple of weeks of your assessment. You will then be offered a feedback appointment to discuss the findings of the report and any support that has been recommended.

Help available

• Once we have evidence of your SpLD, learning support can be put in place. 
• You will also be entitled to coversheets for your assignments. These advise what consideration you are to be given for your written work in light of difficulties. You should attach them to your coursework when you hand it in.
• Also available is one to one study strategies tuition.
• If you'd like us to notify your department, please complete and sign a confidentiality agreement.  We can then make them aware of any reasonable adjustments they should make for you.
• At this time you should also apply for individual exam arrangements
• Contact us or come to the
  Dyslexia Drop-in: Colchester Campus
  Student Support - Room 4N.6.2
  Friday 2 - 3pm (during term time)

If you are UK home student, you may also be eligible to get extra support in the form of the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA).  
 
If you have already applied for your DSA and have been advised to have an Assessment of Need we can arrange for you to have this at the university.

Useful Contacts