The findings are based on a national survey of over 1,400 adults, carried out by Dyslexia Scotland, to establish a baseline for building a dyslexia-friendly Scotland. The report highlights the current shortcomings in workplace support for individuals with dyslexia and underscores the urgent need for more effective implementation of reasonable adjustments, such as receiving verbal instructions as well as written, extra time to complete tasks or the ability to choose dyslexia-friendly fonts and colours.
Among those who have received adjustments, only 25% found them very or extremely helpful, while a significant 75% reported that the adjustments were either not helpful or only slightly to moderately effective.
Cathy Magee, Chief Executive of Dyslexia Scotland said: "The findings make it clear that professional identification of dyslexia can have a transformative impact not just on education but also on career progression and overall wellbeing – particularly when identified early.
“However, with 80% of respondents citing the cost of assessment as a barrier, many individuals are unable to access the support they need. That’s why we’re calling on the Scottish Government to provide free or subsidised dyslexia assessments and ensure that teachers and employers alike receive adequate training to support those with dyslexia in both educational and professional settings."
Martin Glover, Chief People Officer at Morton Fraser MacRoberts, said: “At Morton Fraser MacRoberts, we have nearly 500 employees, including several with dyslexia. The findings of this report reflect the current challenges Scottish businesses face in providing appropriate workplace adjustments.
“We strive to ensure that reasonable adjustments for neurodiversity are part of our standard practice, and we encourage other businesses to do the same. The mixed feedback in the report suggests that adjustments often fall short, likely due to a lack of understanding or inconsistent implementation.
It’s vital to shift the perception of reasonable adjustments for dyslexia. Supporting employees with dyslexia isn’t about offering an advantage –it’s about creating an equal playing field, ensuring everyone has the same opportunity to thrive.”
The report was launched at the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday, 2 October, as part of Dyslexia Awareness Week Scotland 2024 which runs from 30 September to 6 October.
