Specific Learning Difficulties
Specific Learning Difficulties booklets (New 23 Mar 2010)
Why not download the following booklets for guidance:
A simple guide to Specific Learning Difficulties in the RAF
Guidance on Dyslexia for Line Managers in the Workplace
Latest Specific Learning Difficulties News
BDA Launches New Course for Employees
The British Dyslexia Association has developed a new course for employees. The course is designed to provide delegates with a range of strategies, techniques and approaches to increase personal effectiveness and efficiency across the core skills areas in the workplace.
This course is a reasonable adjustment for dyslexic employees and is funded by Access to Work, the Government Agency that deals with reasonable adjustments for all disabilities including, dyslexia.
There are no restrictions on how many individuals can receive the funding. As this course has only just been launched, it is only planned one course so far which is in London. However, BDA can come to you and will be planning a lot more courses in locations around the UK from January.
To apply for the funding, the individual doesn't have to have a diagnostic assessment. To take up this or other opportunities that Access to Work will provide for, simply that they have difficulties or challenges in their work that would be typical of the difficulties dyslexia throws up.
The route way to get the course funded is to claim for support through Access to Work and to apply to go on the BDA course (see attached booking form).
At the same time, the individual needs to contact the Access to Work team for their location (area) and ask to speak to their Dyslexia Champion and explain that they want to go on the course. BDA will also notify Access to Work that they want to do it and it should then all come together. The individual will need to tell their line manager that they are looking at this support as Access to Work will refund them for the course.
To find your Access to Work office you will need to go to the following link: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Employmentsupport/WorkSchemesAndProgrammes/DG_173083
For further information please contact Frankie Bowbrick ULO on 95751 6888 (01400 266888)
Frankie Bowbrick
TP ULO
22TrgGp-TP-ULO@mod.uk
95751 6888
01400 266888
For additional information please download the Employee Training Course flier
Specific Learning Difficulties
The RAF use the term ‘Specific Learning Difficulties’ (SpLD) to identify the 4 individual learning difficulties that are supported within the Service. These are:
Dyslexia
-this is a combination of abilities and difficulties. Reading is often a challenge due in part to the inability to skim and scan through written material. It can manifest itself in weakness in short-term and working memory, speed of
processing, sequencing skills, auditory and/or visual perception, spoken language, motor skills, poor spelling and handwriting.
Dyspraxia
- this is an impairment or immaturity of the organisation of movement, often giving the impression of clumsiness. Motor skills relating to balance, co-ordination and manipulation of objects are hard to learn. Writing can be difficult and pronunciation may be affected.
Dyscalculia
- this is a difficulty involving arithmetical skills. Students with dyscalculia may have difficulty in understanding simple number concepts, lack an intuitive grasp of numbers and have problems learning number facts and procedures.
Meares-Irlen Syndrome
- this is also known as ‘Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome’ and is a broadly defined visual perceptual disorder that primarily affects reading and writing based activities. Individuals experience distortions when looking at certain materials, in particular texts. The distortion includes; blurring; movement of letters; words doubling; shadowy lines; shapes and colours on the page and flickering. These symptoms are alleviated by using coloured filters and coloured lenses, which have been individually prescribed by a trained practitioner.
A person who has a SpLD cannot be 'cured' of it, but can learn to cope better with it; having an increased awareness of the specific problem is the first stage in the process.
SpLDs are not related in any way to intellectual ability, but it can cause emotional disturbance, sensory impairment and a loss of motivation. An individual, personal approach to each case is necessary. The first point of contact for further information on SpLD and support within the RAF is your local Learning Centre and PLA.
Useful Information
Coping stragegies for Dyslexics
Individual Learning Plan template
Guidance on Dyslexia for Line Managers
Useful Specific Learning Difficulties Links
Further Information
You may obtain further information on this matter and funding lines by reading the RAF Policy contained in AP3379 Leaflet 1550 or by contacting the 22 Trg Gp TP ULO on 01400 266888 or 95751 Ext 6888.
Address:
Accreditation, Rm 227
RAF Cranwell
Sleaford
Lincs
NG34 8HB.