Practical guidance on supporting employees with dyslexia and dyspraxia covering workplace impact, assistive technology, reasonable adjustments, strengths-based approaches, and employer best practices.
Dyslexia and Dyspraxia at Work: Practical Support and Assistive Technology
Prevalence
Dyslexia affects approximately 10% of the population (British Dyslexia Association), with 4% severely affected. It is the most common neurodivergent condition.
Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder) affects approximately 5–6% of the population (Dyspraxia Foundation), with significant overlap with other neurodivergent conditions.
Both conditions are lifelong, are not related to intelligence, and are classified as disabilities under the Equality Act 2010 (UK) and the ADA (US) when they substantially limit major life activities.
Dyslexia in the Workplace
What Dyslexia Affects
Reading speed and accuracy
Spelling and written expression
Phonological processing (decoding words)
Working memory (holding information while processing it)
Sequencing and organisation
What Dyslexia Does NOT Affect
Intelligence, creativity, or problem-solving ability
Verbal reasoning and big-picture thinking
Spatial awareness and 3D visualisation
Entrepreneurial capability (35% of entrepreneurs are dyslexic — Cass Business School study)
Assistive Technology for Dyslexia
Tool
Function
Cost
**Read&Write (Texthelp)**
Text-to-speech, word prediction, screen masking
$0–$100/year
**ClaroRead**
Text-to-speech, coloured overlays, spell check
$150–$250
**Dragon NaturallySpeaking**
Speech-to-text dictation
$300–$500
**Grammarly Premium**
Advanced spelling and grammar checking
$150/year
**MindMeister / XMind**
Mind mapping for visual organisation
$0–$100/year
**OpenDyslexic font**
Free font designed for dyslexic readers
Free
**Coloured overlays**
Reduce visual stress from black-on-white text
$5–$30
Reasonable Adjustments for Dyslexia
Extra time (25–50%) for reading-heavy tasks
Documents in accessible formats (sans-serif font, 12–14pt, 1.5 spacing, left-aligned)
Audio recording of meetings
Advance access to presentation materials (48+ hours)
Proofreading support for external communications
Alternative assessment formats (oral presentations, portfolios)
Avoid timed written tests in recruitment
Dyspraxia in the Workplace
What Dyspraxia Affects
Motor coordination: Fine motor tasks (handwriting, using tools, precise mouse movements) and gross motor tasks (balance, spatial navigation)
Organisation and planning: Sequencing tasks, managing time, prioritising
Working memory: Similar to dyslexia, difficulty holding and manipulating information
Sensory processing: Some overlap with autistic sensory profiles
Speech: Some people with dyspraxia have verbal dyspraxia, affecting speech fluency
Adjustments for Dyspraxia
Speech-to-text software to reduce handwriting/typing demands
Ergonomic equipment (keyboard, mouse, chair) to reduce motor demands
Written instructions and checklists for multi-step tasks
Extra time for tasks requiring fine motor skills
Structured filing systems and organisational tools
Flexible working to accommodate fatigue
Large-grip pens, adapted scissors, and other dexterity aids
Employer Best Practices
Offer workplace assessments: A dyslexia/dyspraxia workplace assessment (available through Access to Work in the UK) identifies specific barriers and recommends tailored adjustments. Typical cost: £300–£600, usually funded by Access to Work.
Provide assistive technology as standard: Make screen readers, mind mapping tools, and colour overlay options available to all employees
Format documents accessibly: Use sans-serif fonts, bullet points, clear headings, and avoid dense text blocks as organisational standard
Train managers: Ensure line managers understand that dyslexia and dyspraxia are genuine conditions requiring specific support, not signs of carelessness
Focus on strengths: Dyslexic and dyspraxic employees often excel in creative problem-solving, verbal communication, big-picture thinking, and empathy. Design roles to leverage these strengths.
Resources
British Dyslexia Association: [bdadyslexia.org.uk](https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk)