Workplace needs

services for the workplace

Services for the Workplace 

Advice and Training

Advisory services for employers

As a manager, HR professional, training manager or company owner, it can sometimes be daunting to navigate the legal requirements related to the Equality Act 2010 and employees with dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, Autism as well as other conditions.   
 
Then there are reasonable adjustments: exactly what are adjustments? How do you know if they are reasonable for your employee and company? Then you have to work out how to implement them as, well as financing them! 
 
It is just daunting thinking about it and over many years, we have spoken to many employers who are overwhelmed by the entire process and do not know where to turn. We are experienced in guiding and advising employers of all sizes who need advice on interviewing, training, and managing dyslexic employees.

Advisory services for employees:

In addition to advising employers, we provide services directly aimed at supporting the individual in the workplace:
• Diagnostic assessments for suspected dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD   
• Career planning and interview skills development 
•  Job Coaching and Strategy Training sessions 
• Efficiency and productivity courses for all 
• Work skills evaluations and suggestions for adjustments 

Consultancy

Workplace consultancy, including advice on policy, provision of services and adjustments 

Dyslexia awareness sessions for disability officers, welfare officers or HR departments, either at our office or at your workplace 

Neurodiversity Training, Talks and Workshops

Neurodiversity Awareness in the Workplace - Training Days and Courses: 

Neurodiversity  Awareness Training: 
Both the structure and content of the courses offered are flexible, which allows us to focus on the particular priorities of the individual or establishment – we can adapt any programme to meet the requests of employers and employees. Equally, if the current course list does not quite meet your needs, we can work with you to develop a course to target the issues you wish to address.   We provide the following range of courses:    
 
Continuing Professional Development courses for psychologists, HR personnel, managers and trainers, designed to upgrade skills in understanding dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and Autism and the difficulties faced by these employees. We discuss ways to make reasonable adjustments and enabling dyslexic employees reach their full potential. 
 
Awareness Raising Courses and briefings which can include an explanation of what dyslexia and other conditions are, and how they can affect individuals. PDC can outline the skills and abilities of dyslexic people, presenting strategies for both individuals and managers to adjust and overcome the problems in the workplace. 
 
Work skills and efficiency evaluations and follow-on training. designed to ensure that the skills of any individual meet the job requirement, and that the employee can work efficiently. We recommend and provide specific skills training, advise on technological aids that may improve performance, and make recommendations for adjustments to be made, either to the work environment or to the job role.    
Job Hunting and Employment Courses 
We can provide specific skills in C.V. and cover letter writing as well as understanding job descriptions, applying your transferable skills to the role and how to interview well and research the company. We can offer this on an individual or group bases. 

Needs Assessments and Reasonable Adjustment Reports

The purpose of a workplace needs assessment is to determine any reasonable adjustments required for an employee with dyslexia and other conditions.   It is vital that the assessments are undertaken by a Specialist Assessor rather than Occupational Therapy who do not have the detailed knowledge needed to meet the legal requirements of reasonable adjustments that employers must put in place for any employees with disabilities. Learn more about our detailed and person centered approach

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Workplace Job Coaching and Strategy Development Sessions

Are you an employer who isn’t sure how to support an employee with Dyslexia? 
Around 10% of the population have dyslexia. Dyslexia can affect an employee’s work in ways that are not immediately obvious. Many dyslexic adults in the workplace have never been formally identified or assessed. Some that do have a diagnosis may choose to keep it to themselves. Not everyone understands how their dyslexic difficulties can impact on the many different circumstances which may present in the workplace. 

The following situations may cause problems for an employee with Dyslexia:
 ·         A change of job description or promotion with more emphasis on reading or writing tasks
  ·         An introduction of new methods of working or new IT systems
  ·         A new line manager with a more rigid, bureaucratic, or less sympathetic management style   Stress can cause dyslexia difficulties to become more obvious and further impact an employee’s work. 

How can you help as an employer?
 Ensure your workplace is sensitive to different working and learning styles. Allow employees to approach work tasks and procedures in manner that is easiest for them. If you are aware an employee has dyslexia, discuss how you can assist them and implement any necessary changes to your office environment. If you notice an employee struggling, it is always worth investigating that there’s no underlying condition affecting their performance. Many dyslexic people have above average talents in important areas – they are often visual learners and have an intuitive understanding of how things work. Understanding what your employees are good at allows you to utilise their strengths in the workplace.  

Access to Work - Everything you Need to Know 

WHAT IS ACCESS TO WORK? 

Access to Work is a publicly funded employment support programme that aims to help more disabled people start or stay in work. It can provide practical and financial support if you have a disability or long term physical or mental health condition.

There are many advantages to the scheme, Access to Work, for employers as well as direct benefits to those individuals in the workplace with special needs such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, A(D)HD and other invisible disabilities. Below, you will find a guide for Access to Work the Employer and Access to Work for the Employee.

Visit Access to Work page

We pride ourselves in delivering professional support to the workplace and beyond the items covered above also providing specific services for a range of special needs and requirements. We always tailor any tuition or other such requirement to the unique circumstances of each case and welcome and enquiry that is outside of the standard provisions.

Please contact us to discuss your exact requirements.

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Your Questions 
An​swered

We find that we are frequently asked some of the following questions and hope these help - we are always happy to talk or email and if you prefer you can contact us directly

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Is the Access to work scheme available to those with dyslexia?

Yes! It is available to anyone with a physical or hidden disability and those with mental health conditions.

access t o work Info
Do I have to disclose my disability to my new employer?

No, you do not have to disclose anything to your employer, but without it, they cannot be expected to support you effectively. 

It can be difficult to decide if it is a good idea to tell your manager or Human Resources about your disability. 

Furthermore, it is completely understandable that you may worry about the response or a change in attitude from your manager or employer. The sad fact is that many managers or employers do not understand their legal responsibilities under the equality act 2010. They (usually) unintentionally discriminate against workers with all forms of disabilities.   

What is a workplace Needs assessment?

A Workplace Needs Assessment enables us to determine the reasonable adjustments, ongoing support and training required to enable individuals with disabilities or specific learning difficulties do their job to the best of their ability.


A workplace needs assessment is carried out, at your workplace, by a qualified Needs Assessor with specialist knowledge of specific learning disabilities.

The first step is to gather some background information, from both the individual and the employer, to determine if a Workplace Needs Assessment is appropriate. We do this via an online questionnaire.

Visit Needs Assessment Page
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