Dyslexia Awareness Training Course

Dyslexia is a common neurodivergent difference that affects how people process written and spoken information. In health and social care, a lack of awareness can create unnecessary barriers for both staff and people who use services. With the right understanding and reasonable adjustments, dyslexia does not have to limit participation, performance, or access to care.

This free dyslexia course provides a comprehensive and practical introduction to dyslexia awareness in health and social care settings. It focuses on inclusive practice, legal responsibilities, effective communication, and strengths-based support.

Why Take This eLearning Course?

Dyslexia is often hidden and misunderstood. Without awareness, individuals may experience stigma, reduced confidence, and barriers to accessing information or performing their role effectively.

This free course will help you to:

• Understand dyslexia clearly: Learn what dyslexia is, how it presents, and how it differs from myths and stereotypes.
• Meet legal duties: Understand your responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and the NHS Accessible Information Standard.
• Improve accessibility: Learn how small, low-cost adjustments can make a big difference.
• Support inclusively: Use person-centred, strengths-based approaches with colleagues and service users.
• Communicate effectively: Apply plain English techniques and accessible formats without causing stigma.
• Enhance quality and safety: Improve record-keeping, consistency, and accessibility across services.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain dyslexia as a neurodivergent difference.
• Identify common characteristics and indicators of dyslexia in adults and young people.
• Recognise co-occurring differences that may affect learning and communication.
• Understand UK legal and policy requirements relating to dyslexia and accessibility.
• Describe identification, screening, and assessment pathways.
• Recognise how dyslexia affects daily tasks, access to services, and workplace performance.
• Implement reasonable adjustments and inclusive practices confidently.
• Communicate information clearly using accessible and plain English approaches.
• Support colleagues and service users through collaborative support planning.
• Record needs and adjustments accurately while maintaining confidentiality and safety.

Dyslexia Awareness Course Outline

Module 1: Understanding Dyslexia
Learners will explore dyslexia as a neurodivergent difference rather than a deficit. This module explains the core characteristics of dyslexia, common indicators in adults and young people, and differences that often co-occur, such as dyspraxia or ADHD. Learners will gain an understanding of how dyslexia presents differently in individuals and why awareness is essential in health and social care contexts.

Module 2: UK Legal and Policy Context
This module introduces the key legal and policy frameworks that protect and support people with dyslexia. Learners will explore the Equality Act 2010 and the duty to make reasonable adjustments, alongside the NHS Accessible Information Standard and its relevance to communication and information sharing. Confidentiality, consent, and appropriate recording of support needs are also covered to ensure lawful and respectful practice.

Module 3: Identification and Assessment Pathways
Learners will examine how dyslexia may be identified through screening and formal diagnostic assessment, including who is qualified to carry these out. This module explains common screening approaches used in workplaces and services, referral routes, and sources of specialist advice. Learners will also explore how to discuss screening sensitively and respectfully with colleagues or service users.

Module 4: Impact of Dyslexia in Health and Social Care
This module focuses on how dyslexia can affect day-to-day tasks in health and social care settings, such as reading information, completing forms, or following written instructions. Learners will explore barriers to accessing services and employment, alongside the strengths often associated with dyslexia, such as problem-solving, creativity, and big-picture thinking.

Module 5: Reasonable Adjustments and Inclusive Practice
Learners will explore practical ways to support people with dyslexia through reasonable adjustments. This includes low-cost communication changes, environmental adjustments, and digital accessibility. The module emphasises collaborative working to agree, review, and record adjustments in a person-centred way that promotes inclusion and independence.

Module 6: Effective Communication
This module develops learners’ skills in communicating clearly and inclusively. Learners will explore the use of plain English, ways to check understanding without stigma, and examples of accessible formats for sharing information. The focus is on reducing barriers while maintaining dignity and respect.

Module 7: Supporting Colleagues and Service Users
Learners will explore person-centred and strengths-based approaches to supporting people with dyslexia. This module covers co-producing simple support plans, setting review dates, knowing when to escalate concerns, and how to signpost effectively to reputable UK dyslexia organisations and resources.

Module 8: Record-Keeping, Quality, and Safety
In the final module, learners will examine how to record dyslexia-related needs and adjustments accurately and securely. Common pitfalls in record-keeping are identified, alongside strategies to improve accessibility, quality, and safety within teams and services. Learners will reflect on how inclusive practice contributes to better outcomes for individuals and organisations.

Target Audience

This course is suitable for:

• Health and social care professionals at all levels.
• Support workers, carers, and administrators.
• Team leaders and managers responsible for inclusive practice.
• Students and learners preparing for health and social care roles.

No prior knowledge of dyslexia is required. The course is designed to be accessible, practical, and relevant across a wide range of care settings.

FAQ

What does the course cover?
The course covers dyslexia awareness, legal responsibilities, identification pathways, reasonable adjustments, communication strategies, and inclusive practice.

Is this course relevant to UK health and social care?
Yes. The content is fully aligned with UK legislation, NHS standards, and best practice guidance.

Can I apply what I learn immediately?
Yes. The course focuses on practical strategies you can use straight away in your role.

How long does the course take?
The course is self-paced and typically takes 1 hour to complete.

Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. A certificate is provided on successful completion.

Is this course CPD accredited?
Courses are not currently CPD accredited, but accreditation is planned.