Dyslexia Support Page

DYSLEXIA SUPPORT PAGE

Introduction:

Union Learning Representatives (ULRs) have received requests form members asking if support can be found to help those with Dyslexic Tendencies.

In many cases this is the first time that the individual has openly suggested that they have a learning difficulty that may be due their being Dyslexic. FBU Learning has obtained a licence for the use of a screening tool called QUICKSCAN® that offers individuals the opportunity to carry-out an online Dyslexia assessment and also provides information on the adoption of particular learning styles that may help them to overcome learning difficulties.

The Usual Suspects:

The video below was made by members of West Midlands Fire Service. All of them are professional, successful individuals, all are also dyslexic, they are not the kind of people who you would expect to be dyslexic, they are not the usual suspects. They bravely volunteered to speak openly about their dyslexia for some this was the first time they have openly spoken about the challenges they have faced and overcome due to dyslexia. Please take time to watch and be inspired by their stories, they would wish you to share this others so that their efforts can have the widest impact possible

Accessing Quickscan®:

Individuals can only access the QUICKSCAN® screening tool with one of the trained FBU Dyslexia Support Advisors (DSA). Names and contacts details of DSAs can be found by following the link towards the end of this page.This will ensure that each individual  Assessment is carried out and interpreted correctly. It also means that, if it indicates possible Dyslexia, then the individual will be able to discuss their next steps with their DSA.

Used correctly QUICKSCAN® will provide an instant analysis of the individual's probability of having Dyslexia.

Before taking the assessment please take the time to read the attached Dyslexia Information Guidance Document and, importantly, discuss the outcome with your Dyslexia Support Advisor.

Finally, ALL DATA information is CONFIDENTIAL and, unless the individual agrees, will NOT be shared with other individuals, managers or employers.

If you feel you may be Dyslexic and wish to take the assessment then you need to do the following:

• Contact your brigade or regional DSA (names and contact details can be found at the bottom of this page or in the regional pages of this website). They will be able to assign you a personal log-in number that will only be identifiable to you and your DSA.
  
  
• Have access to a computer and the internet that will allow access to the QuickScan® website. (If you require a copy of the assessment report you will need access to a printer).
  
  
• Have simple computer skills that include using a mouse and keyboard (QuickScan® will provide the opportunity within its own programme to change background colour and fonts without the need to change computer settings).
  
  
• Give thought to the possibility that the assessment could indicate that you may be Dyslexic and how you may wish to follow this up.
  
  

NOTE: UNDER THE DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT 1995 (AMENDED 2005) THE EMPLOYERS DO NOT HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO APPLY THE ACT IF THEY HAVE NOT BEEN MADE AWARE OF THE DISABILITY.

FOLLOWING SCREENING, AND, IF THE OUTCOME SHOWS AN INDICATION OF DYSLEXIA, FBU MEMBERS WILL NEED TO GIVE DUE CONSIDERATION OF INFORMING THEIR EMPLOYER.

Finally, before you go any further please take the time to read the following documents:

Further Information on the QUICKSCAN® screening tool

Dyslexia Guidance document.