Dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties
Here at the OU we have over 2000 students studying with dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties such as dyscalculia or dyspraxia. The OU works hard to make our courses and teaching accessible to all our students, but recognise that there are times when additional advice and / or support may be needed. We hope that the information we provide here will help you to access the additional support available.
To help you think about your requirements, read about OU study, find out about course information or request a prospectus.
Contact your regional or national centre to talk about the services and support you might need.
What are the effects of specific learning difficulties?
Everyone has their own individual learning profile and will have different strengths and weaknesses. If you have a specific learning difficulty it is likely that there will be an impact in one or more areas of study.
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The main areas where the impact can be felt are in
- reading, which is likely to be slow
- concentration, which tends to fluctuate
- spelling and grammar, which can be unorthodox
- physical coordination and handwriting, which can be inconsistent and untidy
- remembering information, which can be better some days than others
- organising and planning, which can make the management of learning materials more demanding than expected
- working within time limits, which can be stressful in exams
- thinking and working in sequences, which can make planning challenging
- visual difficulties, such as blurring and distortion of print
- visual processing difficulties, which can make reading uncomfortable
- auditory processing difficulties, which can make listening to oral instructions tiring and confusing.
Sources of support
Disabled Students' Allowance
You may be eligible for a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) to help you fund study-related support or purchase specialist equipment. If you are DSA eligible the University will only provide study support that cannot be provided by a DSA.
Tutor or study adviser
Discuss your learning strategies with your OU tutor or study adviser at the beginning of your course so they have an idea about how to help you. The Disability and Additional Requirements Team in your regional or national centre can offer specific advice in relation to your indivudal need. In some instances they are able to arrange for additional sessions in which you can discuss your studying in more depth.
Find out about assessment for specific learning difficulties.
Regional or national centre
The OU Study Support or Disability and Additional Requirements team in your local regional or national centre can deal with any queries you might have. Centres are open Mondays to Fridays, 9am - 5pm.
The Evening Advice Line is also available out of office hours
phone 0870 3331444
Study skills support
Registered students who have completed an Facility Request Form 1 request for services will receive a printed copy of Studying with dyslexia. This booklet contains lots of useful information to help you throughout your course.
In addition to the Studying with dyslexia booklet, you will find plenty of relevant information to help you develop your skills on Skills for OU Study.
Accessible course materials
OU courses are delivered in a variety of formats, which include books, websites and multimedia. You may have additional study requirements, and the OU can provide
- audio versions of printed material
- digital versions in Adobe PDF
If your preference is for PDF files, you should check the availability and accessibility of PDF files for your course before you register. Not all PDF files are equally accessible: mathematics, science, music and foreign languages may be particularly difficult to access. Read the course description to see what types of course material are included.
You can check the accessible course materials page for more information on the alternative formats that we can provide. If you require more information, contact your regional or national centre.
Equipment
You may be eligible for a Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) to help you purchase specialist equipment.
If not, the University has some equipment available for loan, such as
- computers with assistive software to help with spelling and managing ideas
- voice recognition and text-to-speech software
- a digital voice recorder.
Examination arrangements
Additional arrangements will be made where there is clear evidence of need and the recommendations are approved by the Examination and Assessment Board. Examples of additional arrangements include
- extra time
- rest breaks
- a scribe
- use of a computer.
Further information, including how to request alternative arrangements, can be found in the main examination arrangements area. Do look at the information as soon as possible as you will need to provide evidence of need and that can take some time.
Residential school
If you select a course with a residential school you may need more support at residential school than you do at home and at work. You may like to consider the use of an assistant whose help could include
- note taking
- accessing written information
- orientation on the campus or field trips
- familiarity with any equipment or for accomplishing practical tasks.
The assistant could be
- your non-medical helper, funded by a DSA
- an assistant from our register. Many are or have been OU students themselves and have supported students with many different requirements over the years. If you would like us to provide you with an assistant from our register you can use the Facilities Request Form 2 (FRF2) to request one once you are enrolled on the course
- a friend or family member, where appropriate, who is familiar with your needs and able to support you.
The OU will cover the cost of your assistant's meals and accommodation if you are not eligible for a DSA.
Information about:
Information for all students:
Registered students can download the Studying with dyslexia booklet or get a printed copy from regional and national centres. The booklet offers suggestions and advice for study strategies and is generally sent on receipt of the Facility Request Form 1 that you will find on Request for general equipment and services.
If you have any queries about a course, finance or the support you would receive, please contact the Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
For DSA, examination arrangements, and some other financial or equipment schemes you will need to provide written evidence of additional needs. This evidence is usually a diagnostic assessment or medical report but will depend on the individual situation. As this can take a considerable period of time to arrange it is advisable to think about this well in advance.
To explore specific learning difficulties further