We are an automotive company with an apprentice mechanic who has recently been diagnosed as suffering from dyslexia. His diagnosis came about as it became apparent to us that he was struggling with his course work and we employed a tutor for him. Things did not improve and his tutor suggested he be tested for dyslexia.
My question is that now we understand the underlying problem, how can we help him address it?
He is naturally becoming frustrated and disheartened and we would really like to see him overcome this.
Many thanks
Lucie
Lucie Jerome
6 Responses
Check out the British Dyslexia Assocation website.
Lucie,
check out the website below. Whilst I’ve not contacted them directly, I’m sure they will be more than happy to help an employer to support a dysexic member of staff.
http://www.bda-dyslexia.org.uk/main/home/index.asp
Kindest
Frank
Dyslexic help
My Mum has recently started a College course and has also just been diagnosed as Dyslexic. She has found the BBCi Skillswise site useful to carry out some of the simple exercises there, to improve some of her skills and build her confidence. I hope this helps.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/
a personal note
Lucie
The diagnosis of dyslexia is a start, more than some sufferers get. I was diagnosed eons ago and had the benefit of help.
Reading course notes is only one aspect of learning and I suspect your apprentice will be better at other things (visualisation and spatial skills being common). Given the emotional trauma this type of dissability can lead to, be supportive in this area. In my day, I was just “thick”, and the damage of this takes a long time to repair (if ever). Help can actually be simple and quite practical. My reading improves if I use blue tinted glasses. I have seen dramatic improvements in behaviour when other coloured tinted glasses are used. One young lad was on the news a few years ago and had one green and one purple lense (honest). Another lad I know was very severly dyslexic, and his handwriting was, well, dire, but with support, went through an electrical engineering apprentiship with flying colours.
Your apprentice may be having trouble with his coursework but that is only a short term problem. He needs to be supported from an emotional standpoint that will see him through the rest of his life.
Best wishes
Peter
Dyslexic apprentice
Help him to find role models with dyslexia who have successfully overcome this disorder and gone on to achieve success (however that is defined). They will undoubtedly have developed tactics and strategies to deal effectively with the issues and complexities that are likely to arise. It will also give your apprentice someone with whom they can discuss issues which arise – I dare say due to the inadvertent insenstivity of others – in a safe environment. It is not an insurmountable condition these days because there are so many resources available to help people with dyslexia.
Good luck and best wishes
Wendy
Blended Learning
HI
I work for a leading Training Consultancy and we specialise in Bespoke Training with the use of Belnded Learning.
This would include, CD based training, Virtual Classrooms, Learning Management Systems, and E-learning, One 2 One etc.
If the above interests you please feel free to contact me on ipatel@premierit.com
Look forward to hearing from you.
Regards
Imran
Thanks
Just wanted to thank everyone who has taken the time to respond to my plea for help. I have now sat down with our apprentice and his manager to discuss how we can best support him.
Thanks again,
Lucie