Learning Support Blog

Michelle Mahoney explores some of the issues surrounding dyslexia and distance learning.

Dyslexia is a condition affecting the ability to read, spell and manage the comprehension of written information, and which also has an impact on an individual’s ability to organise.

You might therefore think that dyslexia would preclude individuals from pursuing a distance learning course. But nothing could be further from the truth.

People with dyslexia need not limit their learning options to a traditional educational establishment, such as a college. Whilst a college may provide a stable and reassuring environment, it sometimes comes at the cost of sacrificing a learner’s flexibility. Distance learning allows anyone to pursue education in order to enhance their career, and remain in full time employment while doing so. This is no different for a dyslexic.

It’s important for the many people in the world with dyslexia and other learning difficulties to recognise that flexible opportunities for learning do exist - in addition to the more traditional methods. 

 However, studying for a qualification by distance learning does require dyslexics to consider some key issues:

Awareness – making your learning provider aware of what works best for you;

Supportive technology – exploring the software and/or hardware that your learning provider may have that can assist you with your learning;

Realistic choices – we all have limitations and it’s important that you recognise what yours are, so you are able to seek the right interventions.

I’ll be exploring these in more detail in my next blog.

Michelle Mahoney

Student Services Manager (Cert Ed. PG Dip Dyslexia)