SUPPORTING BLACK MEMBERS WITH DYSLEXIA AND DYSPRAXIA

Back to all Motions

Conference
2016 National Disabled Members' Conference
Date
6 July 2016
Decision
Carried

Conference notes that Dyslexia/Dyspraxia are the most common causes of reading, spelling and writing difficulties. 1 in 10 people are estimated to experience these problems. Research shows that Black people are disproportionately affected. Dyslexia goes beyond reading/writing difficulties.

The issues faced by Black Members are often misdiagnosed as performance related. Managers are quick to initiate disciplinary & capability procedures.

Conference is aware that institutional racism as well as unconscious bias can result in the failure for organisations to offer appropriate support. Our Black Disabled members then find it difficult to implement coping strategies in order to carry out their daily tasks.

We call on the National Disabled Members Committee to:

1. work with the National Black Members Committee and other Self Organised Group committees to create a briefing paper about dyslexia/dyspraxia to be distributed to Branches, which includes the particular impacts likely to be experienced by Black members.

2. promote the existing Learning and Organising Service (LAOS) training on dyslexia

National Black Members Caucus