Supporting students with dyslexia

The Equality Act (2010) defines a disability as a condition that has a significant adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out day-to-day activities in the long term. This concurrent session will highlight the experiences of nursing students with dyslexia in the academic setting and in clinical practice and will suggest some reasonable adjustments that may improve the student experience and help learners to complete course work and practice placements successfully. The session will suggest strategies that lecturers and mentors can use to support students with dyslexia, as well as highlighting reasonable adjustments and further support available. A study by Morris and Turnbull (2006) highlighted the fact that nursing students may not disclose a hidden disability if they perceive that there is a risk of being unfairly judged or discriminated against. Therefore this session will aim to break down misconceptions and clearly identify legal requirements for providing a fair and positive learning experience for student nurses with dyslexia.\ud The session will be co –presented by a PG Dip Adult Nursing student with dyslexia who will discuss her personal experience