Should she disclose that she is dyslexic?

shomk

When applying for jobs, should my sister disclose that she is dyslexic?

She has no problems reading and her main problem when writing is her hand writing itself and her spelling. She is perfectly capable in every other way but lacks a little confidence in her abilities at time (which I guess we all do).

Do you think that this is regarded as a problem when applying for admin type jobs or puts her at a disadvantage?

Emmzi

it depends. I am assuming she isn't applying for jobs that require good handwriting or spelling? If so, it isn't relevant?

shomk

Well not really, I think most jobs these days involve computer work more so than written work.

olly300

Government organisation definitely yes, big company probably yes and small company no.

shomk

Also, it might be an obvious answer but when they ask for 4 GCSE (for example) including maths and English or 2 GCSE grade C or above including maths and english and my sister has the following:
maths B
English Language D
English Literature B
Plus 4 others at C or above

Is the D in English Language going to be a problem?

sweetstudent

I am dyslexic and i always put down that I am disabled as Dyslexia comes under the DDA. If you apply for a position with a company that operates a guaranteed interview (if you meet the minimum criteria) you will get an interview!

Vader123

sweetstudent wrote: »

I am dyslexic and i always put down that I am disabled as Dyslexia comes under the DDA. If you apply for a position with a company that operates a guaranteed interview (if you meet the minimum criteria) you will get an interview!

Yes, but thats all!

They can still pick the best person for the job regardless of your disability.

Surely its better to apply for jobs you can do based on your skills rather than apply for jobs because you know you will get a interview?

Vader

dobbie82

Being Dyslexic is no longer a reason for not considering someone for employment. Well, it shouldn't be anyway. So I would definitely declare it.

My Aunty applied for a job with a housing association after over 20 years out of work, and got the job and she was up against people who had degrees and a mountain of NVQ's.

Job was with Housing association dealing with over 55's, so a lot of face to face work, but also a lot of paper work too.

Most is computer based though and her employer got software that does spell check but also grammar check too. (Also in Welsh as everything must be done bilingually).

If only employers were so accommodating 20 years ago.

Mr.Bump

Hi,

I am dyslexic and always declare that I am on application forms! Were I not to, I would not have protection under the DDA. Also, remember that once your sister gets a job she can make an Access to Work application for reasonable adjustments. Were she to get an adim type role Access to Work should fund talk type software, mind mapping software and training etc.

I would recommended her phoning the BDA to found out about the standard reasonable adjustments in the work place. Also if she is unemployed at the moment talk to the disability officer at the employment office for help and advise. There might be a work trail scheme for disable people that she could use to get some experience and reference.

Give her my best wishes in the job hunting it will be harder but than every thing is when you have dyslexia.

Savvy_Sue

shomk wrote: »

Is the D in English Language going to be a problem?

It might be.

sweetstudent wrote: »

I am dyslexic and i always put down that I am disabled as Dyslexia comes under the DDA. If you apply for a position with a company that operates a guaranteed interview (if you meet the minimum criteria) you will get an interview!

However, the minimum criteria would often include Maths and English Language at Grade C or above, so no guarantees there.

FWIW, I think it would be worth exploring either re-doing the GCSE at evening classes, or finding an equivalent qualification. OP, did your sister have appropriate support when she took her GCSEs, eg extra time, use of a scribe, typing answers?

Generally, I would declare but also demonstrate that it wasn't a huge problem, eg by completing application forms on a computer as often as possible, and getting them checked and re-checked to ensure they're not riddled with spelling mistakes.

also, if the job description gives an indication of the kind of admin tasks being set, making it clear that they don't present a problem, ie that filing will be done alphabetically not phonetically etc.