A new report, Towards a Dyslexia-Friendly Scotland, has brought much-needed attention to the experiences of dyslexic individuals across the nation. Published by Dyslexia Scotland in partnership with Dr Jeremy Law from the University of Glasgow, the report provides a detailed examination of the barriers faced by dyslexic people in education, employment, and everyday life. With over 1,400 respondents, it offers one of the most comprehensive insights into the lived experiences of adults with dyslexia in Scotland to date.

 The findings reveal significant challenges. For instance:

• 69% of respondents reported that dyslexia negatively impacted their education or career opportunities.
• 76% said their dyslexia hindered their job performance, highlighting a systemic lack of workplace support.
• 80% identified the cost of independent assessments as a major barrier to accessing help, leaving many individuals undiagnosed or unsupported.

These challenges, compounded by the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding dyslexia, highlight some of the barriers adults with dyslexia face which limit their full participation in education, employment, and society. Addressing these challenges effectively is not only a matter of fairness but also an opportunity to unlock untapped potential and reduce societal inequalities.

Finding from the report underline the urgent need for systemic reform, with targeted actions to improve access to assessments, enhance teacher training, and foster inclusion in schools and workplaces.

The report calls for targeted actions, such as free or subsidized dyslexia assessments, improved teacher training in evidence-based literacy instruction, initiatives to foster dyslexia-friendly workplaces and the need to reduce the age of early identification for children with dyslexia in Scotland.

 The significance of the report has not gone unnoticed. It gained the attention of the Scottish Parliament, where Sandesh Gulhane MSP commended its findings and praised Dr Law and Dyslexia Scotland’s efforts to advocate for change. On November 21, 2024, the First Minister met with Dr Law and representatives of Dyslexia Scotland to discuss the report’s actionable recommendations, which aim to create a dyslexia-friendly Scotland.

The proposals emphasize reducing barriers to assessments such as introducing free or subsidized assessments for adults. In addition, recommendations were made to help ensure smoother transitions for individuals with dyslexia post-school, such as the creation of an inclusion passport, providing universally accepted evidence of dyslexia at school-leaving age, and eliminating the need for costly re-assessments often required by employers, universities, and training programs.

The findings and recommendations of Towards a Dyslexia-Friendly Scotland highlight not just the challenges but also the opportunities to transform lives and unlock potential.

 The meeting with the First Minister marks a pivotal step toward addressing the systemic barriers faced by Scotland’s dyslexic population. By implementing these recommendations, Scotland has the opportunity to lead the way in creating an inclusive, supportive environment for dyslexic individuals, unlocking their full potential for the benefit of society as a whole.

Read the full report on the Dyslexia Scotland website. 

First published: 27 November 2024

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