Friday, 11 July 2025

Career and education support for special needs

 

https://civilservice.blog.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/86/2020/03/Dyslexia-Dyspraxia-Dyscalculia-and-Dysgraphia-Line-Manager-Toolkit.pdf

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Resources for Managers on SpLDs (dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia)

1. Oklahoma Dyslexia & Dysgraphia Handbook
This is a state-level guide focused on assistive technologies (AT) and workplace accommodations for adults with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. It includes practical AT tools like text-to-speech, dictation, and handwriting support. Welcome to Oklahoma's Official Web Site.

2. Pearson’s U.S. Dyslexia Toolkits
Pearson offers separate “toolkit” PDFs on dysgraphia and dyscalculia. These include signs/symptoms, differentiation, and recommended intervention methods, useful for managers understanding of employee challenges.

3. Ohio “Neurodiversity at Work” Guide
Published by the State of Ohio, this guide addresses neurodiverse employees (including those with SpLDs). It outlines legal frameworks (ADA), recommended adjustments, and strategies managers can use to foster inclusion.

4. Civil Service Northern Ireland Toolkit
Though UK-based, it addresses a broader neurodiversity spectrum—ADHD, autism, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and more—and offers practical workplace guidance that’s still relevant in U.S. context tcd.ie+4civilserviceworld.com+4theiet.org+4.


πŸ“Œ How to Adapt These for U.S. Line Managers

·   Legal Alignment: Replace UK legal references (e.g., Equality Act) with U.S. ADA and Section 504.

·   Terminology: Shift to U.S.-preferred language—"individualized accommodation plan" instead of “workplace adjustment passport.”

·   Tool Spotlight: Incorporate assistive tech used in U.S. – text-to-speech, dictation software, math apps.

·   Add Federal/Local Resources: Link to NCLD, Understood.org, state vocational rehab programs, or university disability offices.


πŸš€ Next Steps

·   Build a U.S.-centric toolkit by combining the concise structure of the UK toolkit with content from the U.S. sources above.

·   Include relevant sections: definitions, strengths/challenges, accommodations, assistive technology, legal framework, conversation guidance, and sample plans.

·   Download links:

o Oklahoma handbook: PDF detailing AT and accommodations Welcome to Oklahoma's Official Web Site+1files.eric.ed.gov+1

o Pearson’s toolkits on dysgraphia & dyscalculia ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+4pearsonassessments.com+4pearsonassessments.com+4

o Ohio neurodiversity guide: what SpLDs look like and workplace strategies pearsonassessments.com+5dam.assets.ohio.gov+5tcd.ie+5

🧠 Neurodiversity at Work: Line Manager Toolkit

Supporting Employees with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, and Dysgraphia (U.S. Edition)
Based on ADA, U.S. workplace guidance, and assistive technology supports


Section 1: Understanding the Conditions

Condition

What It Is

Common Workplace Impacts

Dyslexia

Language-based learning disability affecting reading and writing

Slow reading, spelling errors, trouble with written communication

Dyspraxia

A motor coordination disorder affecting movement and planning

Clumsiness, difficulty with tasks needing fine motor skills

Dyscalculia

Difficulty understanding numbers and math concepts

Struggles with time, money, measurements, calculations

Dysgraphia

Difficulty with writing, spelling, and handwriting

Illegible handwriting, trouble organizing thoughts on paper


πŸ› ️ Section 2: Legal Responsibilities

·         Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act:

    • Employers must provide reasonable accommodations.
    • Employees are not required to disclose their condition but may request support.
    • Retaliation for disclosure or requesting accommodations is prohibited.

πŸ’‘ Section 3: Reasonable Workplace Accommodations

Examples of Practical Adjustments:

Need

Possible Accommodations

Difficulty reading printed text

Text-to-speech software (e.g., Read&Write, Kurzweil)

Slow processing or memory recall

Extra time for tasks, checklists, and summaries

Trouble with handwriting

Use of speech-to-text tools or typing instead

Poor spatial awareness (dyspraxia)

Clear signage, quiet workspace, avoid clutter

Math-related difficulties

Calculators, visual aids, number-line tools

Organization/planning challenges

Digital calendars, reminders, task breakdowns


🀝 Section 4: Conversations with Employees

·         Create a safe and confidential space to discuss needs.

·         Use person-first, respectful language.

·         Ask:

“What adjustments would help you do your job comfortably?”
“Are there specific tools or environments that support you?”

·         Document the agreed accommodations in a Workplace Support Plan or Individual Accommodation Plan (IAP).


πŸ“± Section 5: Assistive Technology Recommendations

·         Reading/Spelling Support: Read&Write, NaturalReader, Grammarly

·         Writing Support: Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Microsoft Dictate

·         Planning Tools: Trello, Microsoft To-Do, Google Calendar

·         Math Tools: ModMath (for dyscalculia), talking calculators


🧰 Section 6: Manager's Toolkit Downloads (Suggested)

·         πŸ“ Workplace Support Plan Template

·         πŸ“„ Example Job Adjustment Letter

·         πŸ“Š Easy Read Summary Sheet

·         πŸ–₯️ Employee Guide to Assistive Tech

·         ⚖️ ADA and Section 504 Summary

(I can help you create editable versions of all these)


πŸ“š Section 7: Where to Get Help

Organization

What They Offer

Website

Understood.org

Employee/manager education & support

https://www.understood.org

Job Accommodation Network

Legal advice and accommodation suggestions

https://askjan.org

National Center for Learning Disabilities

Advocacy and workplace tools

https://ncld.org

State Vocational Rehab Services

Job support and accommodations funding

[Search your state + "voc rehab"]

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