BU Research Blog

Staff in Additional Learning Support (ALS) were especially proud to receive a grant from FAAMG as opportunities for professional and support staff to undertake academic research are not readily available. Anecdotal evidence gained in tutorials suggested that students with dyslexia and dyspraxia were not disclosing their learning differences before or during work placements. Often, this led to a poor experience for both employer and undergraduate. Our research confirmed that students feared stigmatisation while many employers had little awareness of learning differences and minimal knowledge of the types of reasonable adjustments that can be easily implemented. Findings have been disseminated nationally in conference and an academic paper written by Alison Green is published in the current edition of The Journal of Inclusive Practice in Further and Higher Education. ALS manager, Chris Scholes, has produced new guidelines for employers and two self-help handbooks for students. ALS staff are currently working with colleagues from Careers and Placement Development Advisors to improve the placement experience for all students with dyspraxia and dyslexia.