News

PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT'S RESEARCH ON DYSLEXIA

Thursday 10 April 2008

Dr Alan Martin and Professor David McLoughlin
Dr Alan Martin and Dr David McLoughlin

The Disability Discrimination Act has been in force for more than a decade but it seems that many people with hidden disabilities such as dyslexia are reluctant to tell employers that they experience difficulties. A pilot study investigating the experiences of graduates suggested that as few as 15% of those who have specific learning difficulties disclose this to employers. The results of the research, conducted by Dr Alan Martin and Visiting Professor Dr David McLoughlin at the University of Buckingham, are consistent with those of research carried out in the USA and Canada.

The authors presented their findings along with Dr Lynda Price (Temple University), Carol Leather (IDC) and Bernadette Kirwan (IDC) in a symposium called Employment and Adults with Dyslexia: Making 'Goodness of Fit' Good at the British Dyslexia Association International Conference in Harrogate on 28 March. Dr McLoughlin commented:

We know there are many examples of good practice in the private and public sectors, but our initial results suggest that many people who have dyslexia fear that they will be discriminated against if they disclose this when applying for jobs and/or in the workplace.

The symposium attracted over 100 delegates and was well received. People were particularly interested in the disclosure research and some are interested in collaboration with Dr Martin and Dr McLoughlin based upon their initial research carried out at Buckingham. This reflects a growing concern and interest in dyslexia as it affects people in the workplace. The Department of Psychology at Buckingham intends to be at the forefront both in terms of research and promoting good practice.

Report by Dr Alan Martin and the Web Team