Abstract

Employment and job security are key influences on health and wellbeing. Dyslexia affects 1 in 10 individuals and is a lifelong disability. This paper brings together results from two unique Australian-first published research studies exploring workplace practices from the perspective of individuals with dyslexia and those who employ and manage dyslexic employees. Qualitative research design incorporating in-depth interviews was used to explore the experiences of Australian adults with dyslexia (Cohort 1) in the seeking of employment, the performance of their work roles, and the progression of their careers and perspectives of employers and managers (Cohort 2) in relation to the inclusivity of workplaces for dyslexic employees. By merging the two studies, we gained a deeper understanding of some of the workplace challenges faced by people with dyslexia and ways to improve organisational practices and inclusion. The results suggest that employees with dyslexia face greater challenges in the workplace and can struggle due to a lack of awareness of the disability within organisations, which often led to feelings of exhaustion and fatigue because of a limited access to supports and an inability to disclose, which for some left them feeling vulnerable in the workplace. Additionally, more can be done to help employers and managers to have a better understanding of the dyslexia as a disability by undertaking whole of organisation awareness training and the adoption of measures that allow for workplace improvements such as easier access to reasonable adjustments and more inclusive workplace practices.

Presenters

Shae Wissell
Graduate Researcher, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Organizational Diversity

KEYWORDS

Dyslexia, Inclusion and Diversity, Disability, Employment, Organisational Practices, Job Demands

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