Dyslexia

Support Available for Students with a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD)/Dyslexia at Northumbria

To receive support from the University if you have a SpLD/dyslexia you must:

• Register with the Disability Support Team
• Provide a report, confirming that you have a SpLD/Dyslexia.  The report should refer to an assessment carried out after your 16th birthday.  The assessment report should include the results of a range of age appropriate tests showing underlying ability and current levels of achievement 

Once you have a confirmation of a SpLD/dyslexia you should make an appointment to discuss your support needs with one of the Disabilities Advisers.  They can outline the full range of support available to you including individual exam arrangements, access to specialist Dyslexia tutorials, Disabled Students' Allowances and support from your academic tutors.

Letting your Tutor know that you have a Specific Learning Difficulty/Dyslexia

Discuss this with one of the Disabilities Advisers, with your permission they can provide a summary of your support needs with regard to Learning, Teaching and Assistance for your tutors via a formal Disabled Students Support Recommendatiions report agreed with you.

Dyslexia Support Tutors

The Dyslexia Support Tutors offer a free service to students who are registered with the Disability Support Team. This includes:

• One-to-one, multi-sensory tuition for students with Specific Learning Difficulties/Dyslexia.  The tutorials are very student centered but may include:
• • Research Skills
  • Using the Library and NORA
  • Writing skills such as planning, structure, spelling, punctuation and grammar
  • Referencing
  • Organisational skills and time management
  • Use of specialist software and ICT
  • Exam revision techniques
  • Presentation techniques
  • Advice for placements
• Initial dyslexia assessment for those who suspect they may have a Specific Learning Difficulty/Dyslexia

Students who think they may have a Specific Learning Difficulty/Dyslexia

If you think you may have a Specific Learning Difficulty/Dyslexia you will need to speak to one of the Disabilities Advisers.  The adviser may suggest that you undergo an initial dyslexia assessment. This is a free service, which is available at the University.

You may then be advised to undergo a full diagnostic assessment which can be arranged to take place at the University.

You may be responsible for paying for this assessment. However, students who are eligible can apply for help towards the cost of the assessment from the Access to Learning Fund (ALF).  The ALF office is based within Northumberland Building and staff will give you advice on eligibility.