Title of study: Work Accommodations and Natural Support Scale for Dyslexic Adults.
We would like to invite you to take part in a research study. Before you decide whether you would like to take part it is important that you understand why the research is being done and what it would involve for you. Please take time to read the following information carefully and discuss it with others if you wish. Ask us if there is anything that is not clear or if you would like more information.
THE QUESTIONNAIRE STARTS ON PAGE THREE
What is the purpose of the study?
In this study, which is part of my PhD research, we are exploring what kind of workplace adjustments or accommodations exist for people with dyslexia. We know that it can vary a lot between workplaces. In this study we will ask you to tick the adjustments that you have personally received and say they were useful. We also want to know if you have told your employer about your dyslexia and how long you have worked in your current job. We are looking for a link between the adjustments, or a relationship between some adjustments and a) how long you have been in a job or b) whether you have disclosed your dyslexia. This will enable us to make better recommendations about adjustments and which ones are most effective.
Why have I been invited?
We are inviting all dyslexic adults who are in work in the UK. We hope to get a good range of ages and types of employment.
Do I have to take part?
Your participation is:
• voluntary,
• you may withdraw at any stage
• you may avoid answering questions which are felt to be too personal or intrusive
It is up to you to decide whether or not to take part. If you do decide to take part you will be asked to sign a consent form. If you decide to take part you are still free to withdraw at any time and without giving a reason.
What will happen if I take part?
• the questionnaire will take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete online, using the website you are on at this moment.
• we will continue collecting responses until we have over 210 responses, which we expect to take a few months.
• you do not need to meet with us or follow up in any way.
• we will ask you for some personal information about:
o your age, gender, ethnic origin;
o diagnosis of dyslexia;
o your job role and length;
o whether you have told your employer that you are dyslexic;
o the kind of adjustments you have received, if any.
• We will be:
o exploring the different adjustments to see if they fall into groups or categories
o looking at whether the adjustments seem related to the length of time you are in your job
o looking at whether the adjustments seem related to whether or not you have disclosed your dyslexia at work
What do I have to do?
Firstly, agree to take part, on PAGE THREE.
Then proceed through the questions in this online study, answering each one as clearly and honestly as you can. If you are not sure on dates, an estimate is fine.
What are the possible disadvantages and risks of taking part?
You may find, on reading the list of possible adjustments, that you want to put into practice some of the adjustments that you don’t currently have. This may feel frustrating.
If you need support with this process, Access to Work is a completely free advice service provided by the UK Government; you can contact them using the following website:
http://www.yourdsa.com/atw/contactcentres/
They can support you with a free assessment and report. They may also provide funding for the adjustments, if there is a cost involved.
MORE INFORMATION ON PAGE TWO, THE QUESTIONNAIRE STARTS ON PAGE THREE
