Dyscalculia And Dysgraphia Inclusion in The Workplace
Dyscalculia and dysgraphia are two distinct learning differences that affect how people write and work with numbers, and it’s important for employers to understand how these two conditions work if they’re to support staff members throughout their careers.
What is dyscalculia?
Dyscalculic people find it more difficult to understand mathematical concepts, process numerical information and carry out calculations, as well as finding it hard to tell the time, read analog clocks, navigate physical space, and estimate speed and distance.
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What is dysgraphia?
Dysgraphic people find it difficult to turn their thoughts into written language, manifesting in the form of uneven letters, hard-to-read handwriting, slow writing that requires great physical effort, cramping or aching in the hand, spelling mistakes and poor spacing.
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What are the benefits of hiring dyscalculic and dysgraphic people?
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Cognitive diversity
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Lateral thinking skills
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Creative problem solving
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Enhanced verbal skills
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Strong interpersonal skills
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Pattern recognition
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Self-discipline
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Dedication
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Attention to areas of strength
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Resilience
Adopting targeted strategies for both these differences can ensure that people continue to thrive, whether that’s through the use of visual aids and calculators or by giving them more time to complete tasks.
Employers can help support staff members by providing them with dictation tools so they can compile reports, strategies and emails verbally, as well as eliminating the need for them to provide physical signatures and handwritten forms.
Where writing is completely unavoidable, consider providing them with specialist keyboards and comfortable pen grips to help support their hands and fingers.
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Key employment statistics for dyscalculic & dysgraphic people
Official government statistics show:
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Dyscalculia/dysgraphica affect between five and eight per cent of the general population
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Adults with dyscalculia experience reduced lifetime earnings of up to £114,000
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Between seven and 20 per cent of people are less likely to achieve baseline qualifications such as five or more GCSEs
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Persistent gaps remain between disabled and non-disabled people, with employment rates for disabled adults falling significantly behind the general population
How can employers support dyscalculic & dysgraphic employees?
Here at Neuro Inclusion UK, we work closely with educators and inclusion specialists to develop tailored materials that support disability training in the workplace, with the aim of building inclusive environments and cultures across the board.
Our training resources have been designed to give you the tools and information you need to deliver supporting workplaces so your organisation can thrive and grow.
We also offer a consultancy service, where you can talk matters through with SEND professionals, specialist educators and inclusion leaders. This further enables you to implement the most effective business strategies for all members of staff.
If you’re keen to focus on equality, diversity and inclusion, and embrace the strengths that neurodivergent people can bring to your place of business, get in touch with the Neuro Inclusion UK team today to find out what we can achieve together.