This blog is at it's best when different people are contributing!
Today I am really pleased to introduce you to our latest guest blogger, Dr Sheena Bell.
Sheena has been a lifelong supporter of people with
dyslexia. She is Senior Lecturer in SEN and Inclusion at The University of
Northampton, and a member of CeSNER Centre for Education and
 |
| Dr Sheena Bell |
Sheena writes...
Everything we know about
dyslexia tells us that it is definitely not
a barrier to successful employment. However, one of the most pressing issues
facing all of us, which will continue in coming years, is the challenge of low
rates of youth employment. It’s disappointing that, despite a number of
government initiatives, in recent years we have failed to make a significant improvement
on employment rates of young people coming out of schools and colleges.
Dyslexia, as research has showed, should be no barrier to achievement and
success in the workplace. Whilst it is important to choose a workplace which
exploits our strengths and which avoids any major weaker points, common
dyslexic difficulties such as reading at speed, processing information and
producing written text can no longer be considered a significant barrier in the
modern workplace. Some adjustments can be easily put in place, and computers
have provided effective technical solutions to many of the difficulties which
were once an issue. If a person with dyslexia has had appropriate support
through the education system, it should be possible to make a reasonable
self-assessment of strengths and weaknesses and balance these with our
aspirations, by the time it comes to choosing a career. So, good dyslexia
support should include a strong element of metacognition. (A word beloved of
educators which basically means understanding how we think and learn). Support
should also include elements of career guidance which provides clear
information about what might be demanded in various workplaces.
Along with partners in
Finland, Germany and the Czech Republic, we are running a cross European
project called 'SENEL': Many companies are looking to extend their range of
recruitment opportunities, as well as demonstrating their social
responsibility. Led by the University of Northampton, the SENEL (Special
Educational Needs and Employment Links) international project aims to engage
with employers to improve the potential for entering employment of young people with Special
Educational Needs and Disabilities, in vocational training settings such as FE colleges.
As part of this we are
producing a portable Exhibition of Best Practices. This will be consist
of a range of inspirational materials you can print out and use,
including posters and videos to implement aimed specifically at young
people with diverse learning differences, including, of course, dyslexia. It is
also really important to educate both employers and the general public about
the potential benefits of employing young people with dyslexia - and the risks
of NOT employing them! On our website we will soon be adding a series of
posters showing success stories of young people with SEN, including a short
film and a poster about two highly successful young people with dyslexia who
have recently made the transition from college to the workplace.
Our ‘Passport to
Employment’ for students will help highlight students’ strengths to
employers, helping maximise their skills in the workplace. This could be
developed during a young person's education and will be a great way of
developing self-confidence for job seeking and interviews. Sadly, research has
shown that many young people with dyslexia still do not receive appropriate
support in time, and leave education feeling down trodden and inferior. The Passport
will concentrate on their many positive talents and
achievements, whilst
having some useful information about the very simple adjustments that employers
may need to use.
All SENEL project materials are free
and will be available to access from our website, in all project languages.
Bear with us – as much of this work is in development!
For more information please follow us
on Twitter (@SENEL_Europe), check us out on our website: jamk.fi/senel
Or contact us directly: Sheena Bell sheena.bell@northampton.ac.uk to be put on our mailing list and invited to our presentation day in
June 2017 when we will have completed our products!