The Importance of Making Reasonable Adjustments for Adult Learners with Dyslexia and Learning Needs
In today’s fast-paced, knowledge-driven world, lifelong learning is more critical than ever. For adult learners, continuing education can be a pathway to career progression, personal growth, and increased confidence. However, for those with dyslexia and other learning needs, traditional educational environments can present significant challenges. Ensuring these learners have the support they need through reasonable adjustments is not only a matter of equality but also a legal and moral imperative.
Understanding Dyslexia and Learning Needs in Adults
Dyslexia is a neurodiverse condition that affects reading, writing, and spelling abilities. While it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, many adults are undiagnosed or may have developed coping strategies that mask the extent of their challenges. Dyslexia is not indicative of low intelligence; many individuals with dyslexia are highly creative and capable, but find their own ways of adapting to the way they learn.
Learning needs, in a broader sense, encompass a range of conditions that affect how individuals process information. These can include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyscalculia (difficulty with maths), and other cognitive processing disorders. For adults, these conditions can significantly impact their ability to engage with educational content in conventional and traditional ways.
The Legal Framework: Why Reasonable Adjustments Matter
In many countries, the UK, there are legal frameworks in place that require reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities to be made. Under the UK’s Equality Act, educational institutions are required to ensure students with disabilities have equal access to education.
For adult learners, these adjustments are crucial. Unlike children in compulsory education, adult learners need to balance their studies with work, family responsibilities, and other commitments. Without appropriate adjustments, they may be at a disadvantage, unable to access educational opportunities that could significantly enhance their lives.
Practical Adjustments
Making reasonable adjustments for adult learners with dyslexia and learning needs does not mean lowering standards or diluting the quality of training. Instead, it involves tailoring the learning environment to meet the needs of all students. Here are some practical ways we support these learners:
Flexible Assessment Methods: Traditional exams may not accurately reflect the abilities of learners with dyslexia. Alternative assessment methods, such as oral presentations, portfolios, or extended deadlines, can provide a more accurate measure of their knowledge and skills.
Assistive Technology: The use of technology can be a game-changer for adult learners with dyslexia. Text-to-speech software, voice recognition programmes, and digital note-taking tools can help these learners overcome the challenges they face with reading and writing.
Accessible Learning Materials: Educational materials should be available in formats that are accessible to all learners. This could include providing audio versions of textbooks, using larger fonts, or offering materials in a dyslexia-friendly format.
Individualised Support: Personalised support, such as one-to-one tutoring, mentoring, or coaching, can make a significant difference. For adults, this support often needs to be flexible and sensitive to their unique challenges and schedules.
Chunking Information: Breaking down information into smaller, manageable "chunks" can make it easier for adults with dyslexia to process and remember information. For example, Presenting information in bullet points, dividing content into sections with clear headings, or focusing on one concept at a time before moving to the next.
Use of Visual Aids: Visual aids can help clarify and reinforce learning by providing a concrete reference for abstract concepts.Mind maps, charts, diagrams, and colour-coded information can help learners with dyslexia better understand and retain material.
Active Learning and Engagement: Active learning involves engaging students directly in the learning process, rather than passively receiving information.Interactive activities like group discussions, problem-solving tasks, hands-on projects, or role-playing can be particularly effective. Encouraging learners to teach back what they've learned to others can also reinforce understanding.
Regular Feedback and Positive Reinforcement: Frequent feedback helps learners understand their progress and areas for improvement, while positive reinforcement boosts confidence and motivation.
Time Management and Organisation Strategies: Adults with dyslexia may benefit from explicit instruction in time management and organisational skills, helping them manage their learning more effectively. Teaching techniques such as breaking tasks into smaller steps, using planners or digital tools to keep track of assignments and deadlines, and prioritising tasks.
Repetition and Practice: Regular, repeated practice is essential for mastery, especially in areas of difficulty.
Revisiting key concepts multiple times in different contexts, using spaced repetition techniques to aid memory retention, and incorporating regular review sessions into the training schedule.
Relaxation and Stress Management Techniques: Dyslexia can often be accompanied by anxiety or stress, especially in a learning environment. Teaching relaxation techniques can help learners manage these feelings and focus better.
For example, mindfulness exercises, breathing techniques, and relaxation strategies can be integrated into the training to help learners stay calm and focused.
The Benefits of Inclusive Education for All
Making reasonable adjustments is not only beneficial for those with dyslexia and learning needs, it enhances the learning environment for all students. Inclusive practices encourage diversity of thought, foster creativity, and promote a culture of understanding and respect. In a diverse classroom, where different perspectives and abilities are valued, all learners can benefit from a richer educational experience.
Furthermore, supporting adult learners with dyslexia and learning needs has broader societal benefits. When these individuals are given the tools and support they need to succeed, they are more likely to complete their education, achieve their career goals, and contribute meaningfully to the economy. This, in turn, helps to reduce social inequalities and promotes a more inclusive and productive society.
Professional Development for trainers allows them to recognise and support adult learners with dyslexia and other learning needs. Understanding the specific challenges these learners face and the strategies that can help them succeed is key to creating an inclusive learning environment.
Our training is inclusive and provides learners with the support they require to make the learning process easier and much less stressful.
Susie Crolla BA Hons LLB MPhil