Shedding light on a “hidden” disability

Abstract

Shedding light on a ''hidden'' disabilityRealizing the potential of dyslexic employees Andi SandersonA s many as one in ten people in the global workforce has dyslexia, a neurological disorder affecting, among other difficulties, a person's reading, writing and spelling skills. However, many companies are still unaware of the impact this disability can have on an employee's ability to do the job, or how to realize his or her potential. For a HR department, developing an inclusive culture where dyslexic employees feel secure and supported is fundamental.Employers prepared to make changes to support employees with a disability can significantly increase a business's productivity. Whether it is a shift in workplace culture or disseminating an accessible disability policy, supporting employees with learning disabilities such as dyslexia will improve staff morale. By making the appropriate provisions companies ensure that the whole workforce is operating at near capacity, which, in turn, allows the business to improve its performance.Unlinked to intelligence, dyslexia can be frustrating for a person, particularly as the skills it affects are so fundamental in the workplace. Many dyslexics are innovative, strong leaders who work well in teams and so can be a real asset to an organization. Dyslexia is often referred to as a ''hidden'' disability as there are no visible physical signs. This frequently results in workers concealing their dyslexia, or being unaware of it, resulting in unfair treatment.'' Many dyslexics are innovative, strong leaders who work well in teams and so can be a real asset to an organization. ''

The challenges of Web accessibility: The technical and social aspects of a truly universal Web

“…The wider community can understand issues of physical disability, particularly in terms of ramps into buildings, elevators and accessible toilet facilities. These are typically physical, relatable concepts, unlike accessibility which is linked to a far wider set of special needs outside just the physical and observable (Whitaker, 2004;Charles, 2005;Ryan, 2007;Columna, et al, 2009;Adcock and Baillie, 2011;Sanderson, 2011). Accessibility is also associated with Web technologies and how they interact with assistive technologies, which when aligned still further with multiple assessment and analysis methods, can create a cognitive barrier to the target audience and place accessibility in the 'too hard basket'.…”