With many adults across Scotland who have not thought of being identified as having dyslexia, Borders MSP, Rachael Hamilton, is supporting calls for the introduction of free dyslexia testing for adults.
Despite a motion being passed at the 2017 SNP party conference calling on the Scottish Government to investigate widening the scope to extend easier and more affordable access to dyslexia patients through assessments in workplaces across Scotland, no action has been taken.
This was recently confirmed by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, Jeane Freeman MSP, who said “the Scottish Government are not currently able to offer support in the funding of adult Dyslexia assessments.”
Currently, legislation places employers under a legal duty to ensure employees are not discriminated against. Employers must make reasonable adjustments to the workplace to enable the member of staff to carry out their role to a satisfactory standard.
There are no free assessments for adults and the cost can range from £300 - £500, making them unaffordable for many, and employers are not obliged to help with the cost of an assessment. With 1-in-10 children, young people and adults having dyslexia in Scotland, Mrs Hamilton is calling for the Scottish Government to go beyond this and introduce free testing for adults.
Undiagnosed dyslexia in workplaces is a major concern for the Borders MSP, and at present, a national assessment of the impact of undiagnosed dyslexia has not been undertaken.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said: “Back in 2017, delegates at the SNP conference supported a motion calling on the Scottish Government to make it easier for adults in obtaining dyslexia assessment.
“Yet, we have still seen no action from the SNP who are overlooking undiagnosed workplace dyslexia in Scotland.
“That’s why I am calling for the introduction of free adult dyslexia testing.
“Tests are hugely unaffordable for the majority of people, often in excess of £300! Worryingly employers are not even required to contribute to this, despite the inevitable benefit to them as well as the individual.
“While Dyslexia Scotland provide robust and vital support to the 1-in-10 dyslexic people across the country, they need more funding and government-led action to tackle this head on.”