Imagine an education system that provides access to assistive technology for all to use that helps dyslexic learners to reach their academic potential? Read on to find out which assistive technology I think should be standard in schools.
I am sure that you don’t need me to tell you about how our Education System in the UK often fails dyslexic learners. There are more dyslexic young people studying without a diagnosis and support as there are receiving a diagnosis and support. The BBC reports that it could be as much as 80% of our dyslexic kids do not get a diagnosis during their school years. With 10% of our population estimated to be experiencing dyslexia, that is a lot of children who are being denied the right to good quality education.
Those kids will be experiencing all manner of educational and mental health challenges simply because their way of learning is at odds to the ‘one size fits all’ way of learning that our children have to endure.
Are some schools discriminating against children with dyslexia?
The Equalities Act 2010 from the UK Government states:
“It is unlawful for a school to discriminate against a pupil or prospective pupil by
treating them less favourably because of their:
sex, race, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity”
Dyslexia is considered a disability and is covered by the Disabilities Act 2010 and the Equalities Act 2010.
Schools however lack resources, especially during this pandemic period and so they are being forced to prioritise where there allocate support, despite risking breaking the law.
Are schools missing a trick in not making assistive technology available to all?
It strikes me that with a relatively small outlay schools could make a huge difference in making technology available to their students that helps with studying. I don’t even mean just for the dyslexic students. Assistive Technology is designed specifically to support disability but in the case of dyslexia the Assistive Technology that really helps would also help non-dyslexic students too. Everyone wins!
The technology that I would like to see being provided as standard in schools would support key challenges such as the ones listed in the mind map below:
Check out my ‘Shopping List’ for assistive technology that I believe should be made standard in schools today in my latest video below.
So what are your thoughts?
Do you agree or disagree with what I have said in the video? Have I missed any essential technology? Please do let me know by commenting below.