Question reference: S5W-33236
- Asked by: Rachael Hamilton, MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 13 November 2020
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Current status: Answered by Clare Haughey on 3 December 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with the private sector to identify targeted measures that could be introduced to help adults with dyslexia.
Answer
Dyslexia can be recognised as a disability within the scope of the Equality Act 2010, where the impact is substantial and long-term. Where this is the case, employers have a legal duty to make “reasonable adjustments” to help individuals with dyslexia.
Access to Work is a UK Government scheme which helps to fund additional support not covered by reasonable adjustments within the workplace. The Scottish Government continues to press for devolution of this programme, however it remains reserved to Westminster at present. Whilst Access to Work does not fund Dyslexia assessments, The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have advised that a formal assessment of dyslexia is not required in order for dyslexic people to receive support through Access to Work to enable them to enter and sustain employment. However, if customers do have an assessment that provides information to help with identifying what support they need, this should be accepted and reviewed by Access to Work advisers.
As part of a commitment in A Fairer Scotland for Disabled People: Employment Action Plan, we have established a Public Social Partnership involving employers, government and disabled people’s organisations to develop, test and implement solutions to the barriers employers face in hiring and retaining disabled people.
Scottish Government also continues to work with Dyslexia Scotland on employment policy which impacts upon Dyslexic people. This includes involvement in the Scottish Access to Work Stakeholder Forum. Part of the funding the Scottish Government provides to Dyslexia Scotland also enables the organisation to support adults with dyslexia, including the Addressing Dyslexia Toolkit.