Written evidence from Dyslexia Adult Network DAN (FJP0021)

Introduction to Dyslexia Adult Network

1. The Dyslexia Adult Network (DAN) is a consortium of the major charities and specialists supporting adults with Dyslexia and related Specific Learning Difficulties/Differences (SpLDs), namely Dyspraxia/DCD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Dyscalculia. The organisations represented are listed at the end of this submission.

2. Founded in 2012, DAN works to realise the potential of adults with Dyslexia/SpLDs, whilst identifying barriers to achievement. We advocate guidance on, and effective support for, the largest disability group amongst working age adults. DAN is knowledgeable in this area, and, for example, provided awareness training for Access to Work Advisers at the end of 2015.

Contents of this submission

3. Our submission includes the following areas, identified in the Inquiry outline:

- The likely effects of the planned changes

- The configuration of JCP offices

- The development of suitable performance measures

- The provision of a new tailored service for a particular group

- The extent to which reforms require a cultural change within JCP/DWP

Executive Summary of our submission

4. Our main points are as follows:

5. This consultation offers a real opportunity to substantially improve the prospects for unemployed people with Dyslexia/SpLDs of working age, helping them into work and converting them from being benefit recipients to contributors to our economy. Those on low incomes should also benefit.

‘Cultural change’ within JCP and the ability of DWP to successfully foster this

Recommendation 

6. Important elements of the ‘cultural change’ within JCP/DWP would include 1) the end of punitive measures, such as imposing sanctions on those who fail to cope with the administrative burden of the system and 2) an end to the practice of ‘parking’ claimants with Dyslexia/SpLDs.

Factual information about adults with Dyslexia and related Specific Learning Difficulties/Differences

7. Around 10% of the UK population are dyslexic to a greater or lesser extent and another 5% have a related SpLD such as Dyspraxia/Developmental Co-ordination Disorder, Dyscalculia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or Speech & Language Impairment. People with SpLDs can develop sophisticated methods of coping with their difficulties, but these can fall apart when they are under stress.

8. Those affected will often fit the definition of disability; they are therefore entitled to reasonable adjustments. The law refers to changing a provision, criterion or practice and providing auxiliary aids or services. These duties are anticipatory (Equality Act 2010).

The number of people of working age is 41.52 million (Office for National Statistics, 2014); this calculates as 6.2 million affected by Dyslexia/SpLDs, making them the largest disability group

9. Adults with Dyslexia/SpLDs are disproportionately represented among the long-term unemployed. This is a tremendous waste of talent for individuals and for the UK as many, with simple adjustments, could become effective employees. Strengths valued by employers, associated with Dyslexia/SpLDs, include atypical problem solving, creativity, empathy, data/pattern analysis skills and the ability to gain an effective overview.

On-line delivery of Universal Credit

10. People severely affected by Dyslexia/SpLDs are more likely to be functionally illiterate and long-term unemployed. They may also be digitally excluded and therefore unable to participate in an on-line service. We have heard how some people in the UC pilot areas were unable to operate the system and that this led to severe financial hardship

11. We had assurances from the Minister for Disabled People that the Access to Work service would not go exclusively digital, ensuring that our interest group is not locked out. We expect the same offer to be extended to universal credit applications.

Recommendation

12. Alternatives to an on-line service should include the option of a face-to-face appointment at the co-location premises discussed later in this submission.

More frequent interviews for unemployed claimants

13. The interview process is one of the most stressful experiences for people with Dyslexia/SpLDs, due to difficulties processing language efficiently and the undermining of their normal coping strategies, due to stress. It can be challenging for them to recall exactly what has been agreed, because of short-term memory difficulties.

Recommendations              

14. In accordance with the Equality Act, reasonable adjustments should be implemented for interviews, where necessary. These measures are not expensive but they do require specific knowledge and a willingness to consider and introduce them.

We recommend that JCP staff be trained in awareness of Dyslexia/SpLDs in adults and in appropriate reasonable adjustments for interviews.

Service-users should have the option of being accompanied by a ‘befriender’.

Support offer for the long term unemployed: delayed referral and the role of externally-contracted providers

15. Individuals with Dyslexia/SpLDs are over-represented amongst the long-term unemployed. There are a number of reasons for this, including the challenges of the recruitment / job application process, which bring out their weaknesses and seldom identify their strengths, especially if psychometric testing is involved. Once people with Dyslexia/SpLDs gain employment, their distinctive skillset can be an asset in the workplace – abilities which are lost to the UK if they remain unemployed.

16. A delayed referral scheme is to be welcomed as long as the time is used in effective work preparation. Work preparation for this population requires coaches with specialist skills; these already exist and are used very effectively within Higher Education, funded by the Disabled Student Allowances, and in the workplace, often funded through Access to Work.

Recommendations              

17. We recommend that the provision of skills coaching though Access to Work be extended to include long-term unemployed, disabled individuals. These providers must demonstrate that they have the knowledge to take account of disability-related needs amongst their clients, many of whom will have Dyslexia/SpLDs.

Since literacy issues continue to be a problem for many adults with Dyslexia/SpLDs, we recommend the provision of specialist Dyslexia help with literacy acquisition.

Development of Support Offer for low-income individuals.

18. We welcome this proposal which should be linked to the recommendations in the above sections [14,16,17]. The aim would be to develop these individuals’ skills so they could undertake higher income jobs, contributing to tax and playing a fuller role in society.

Co-location of services.

19. DAN supports the aim of locating services in places which users routinely visit. We notice a focus on co-location with health and mental health services, including Improving Access to Psychological Services [IAPT]. There can be a link between Dyslexia/SpLDs and depression and anxiety, so co-locating with health services is helpful.

20. Many adults with Dyslexia/SpLDs have had very negative experiences of schooling. Co-locating services within schools would be off-putting for these service-users.

Recommendations

21. Civic centres which house Citizens Advice Bureau, Council for Voluntary Services, housing offices etc. are also known to be effective for footfall and locating shared services.

However using school premises presents a number of problems including risk assessment, in addition to their unsuitability for many adults with Dyslexia/SpLDs.

JCP advice for 12-18 year olds on traineeships and apprentices

22. This is a good initiative but it is also currently being funded by the DfE. Are DfE and DWP working together?

Recommendations

23. It is essential to ensure that services are joined-up, and that the information provided is of high-quality, accessible and consistent.

Staff awareness training and clear guidance on the impact of Dyslexia/SpLDs on this age group is essential.

24. Information, both on-line and printed, must take account of good practice in minimising Visual Stress, a condition which often co-occurs with Dyslexia/SpLDs. Symptoms include repeatedly losing the place, a ‘glare’ from the page or screen, headaches, eye strain, blurring or apparent moving of text. This condition is also linked to epilepsy and migraines. Signposting to specialist treatment of any undiagnosed or unresolved eye problems is recommended but characteristics of the text itself may be part of the problem.

SEE CHART BELOW ON ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES

ACCESSIBILITY of COMMUNICATIONS

Always take these considerations into account, to assist readers who have Visual Stress

Devolution of Employment Services to combined Local Authorities and devolved governments and quality assurance

Recommendations

25. As Local Authorities combine, taking on new roles, and powers are passed to devolved governments, a strong overall framework for the delivery of Universal Credit must ensure that the needs of claimants with disabilities are taken into account. A quality assurance framework should also provide early identification of any areas that are problematic.

26. Training on awareness of Dyslexia/SpLDs must be provided for all staff. This should include clear accessible guidance and ‘signposting’ as JCP staff may need to refer people for further assessment. DAN has first-hand experience of working with Access to Work where awareness training has made a difference (though it needs to be embedded in the system, due to staff turnover).

27. The process of delivering Universal Credit must include comprehensive measures of quality assurance – these must not simply focus on effectiveness of administrative through-put. Qualitative data from users about how the service has helped them into work must be collected and feed into improvements. Specialist oversight should be sought so that large sub-groups, such as claimants with Dyslexia/SpLDs, receive an effective service.

April 2016

The Dyslexia Adult Network comprises representatives from the following:

Adult Dyslexia Organisation,  Adult Dyslexia Support,  Birmingham Adult Dyslexia Group,

British Dyslexia Association,  Dyslexia Action,  Dyslexia Assessment & Consultancy,

Dyslexia Consultancy Malvern,  Dyslexia Foundation,  Dyslexia Scotland,

Dyspraxia Foundation,  Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre