This year, Dyslexia Awareness Week runs from 6 to 12 October 2025, and the British Dyslexia Association’s theme is “Dyslexia: Raising the Volume”.

The idea behind this year’s theme is to amplify the voices of people with dyslexia and to hear their stories, their challenges, their strengths, and their priorities so that their lived experiences help inform how we support learning, adjustments and inclusion across the university, and beyond.

Dyslexia is a common and enduring learning difference, affecting around 1 in 10 people. It can affect how individuals engage with written language, memory, organisation, and processing speed.

Many people with dyslexia develop coping strategies or alternative approaches, and their success often depends on having the right supports, adjustments, and awareness from those around them.

By “raising the volume,” the British Dyslexia Association encourages us not just to talk about dyslexia, but to listen to those with lived experience, to make space for their voices and insights.

You can explore real-life stories of people with dyslexia on the BDA’s ‘Stories’ page, where individuals share their challenges, insights and successes.

Information and resources

Creating an environment where neurodivergent staff can thrive benefits dyslexic individuals and the whole University. Effective workplace adjustments remove barriers and enable colleagues to fulfil their potential, while promoting a culture of understanding and inclusion.

The University’s Workplace Adjustment Toolkit offers guidance for both staff and managers on identifying and implementing adjustments. Managers are encouraged to work collaboratively with staff to ensure the right adjustments are in place.

All staff with a University of Sussex email address can also access the Business Disability Forum Knowledge Hub. Once registered, you can explore a range of helpful resources, including ‘Factsheet – Dyslexia’ and ‘Workplace Adjustments for Neurodiverse Employees’.

Additional information and guidance are available from the British Dyslexia Association (BDA):

• BDA Dyslexia Factsheet (PDF)
• BDA Factsheet for Workplaces (PDF)
• BDA Top Tips for Adults
• BDA Top Tips for Students
• BDA Online Community Get-Together for Adults with Dyslexia

These resources offer practical advice, self-help tools, and insights into creating inclusive learning and working environments.

Neurodiversity Staff Network

The Neurodiversity Staff Network supports colleagues who identify as neurodivergent, as well as those who are interested in learning more about neurodiversity. The network recognises that neurodivergence spans a wide range of experiences and identities, including (but not limited to) ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia.

The network has curated a resource list covering adjustments, identity, and guidance on navigating Access to Work. It also includes recommended reading such as ‘Black, Brilliant and Dyslexic: Neurodivergent Heroes Tell Their Stories’.

The next members’ meeting in November will explore the theme “What helps you thrive at work”.

To join or learn more, email ndstaffnetwork_admin@sussex.ac.uk.

Resources and support for students

Students can find information about disability and neurodiversity support through the Disability Support page and the Student Hub, which outlines available services for health, wellbeing, and academic support. These pages also provide details about reasonable adjustments for teaching, exams, and assessments.

The Neurodivergent Researchers and Supervisors Canvas page, developed by members of the Student Neurodiversity Society and the Sussex Research School, offers additional guidance for researchers and supervisors seeking to create inclusive academic environments.

Neurodiversity e-learning

Two short online courses are available to help staff build awareness and confidence in supporting neurodivergent colleagues. They explore both the strengths neurodivergent thinkers bring to organisations and the barriers they may face, offering practical strategies for inclusive working.

The courses are recommended for managers and supervisors, but are open to all staff.
To access them, log in to LearnUpon (preferably using Chrome), go to ‘My Courses’, and search for ‘neurodiversity’ in the catalogue.

We also encourage all staff to complete the mandatory Disability Awareness course on LearnUpon, which supports understanding of disability inclusion across the University.

This week is a reminder that awareness is only the first step. Understanding and inclusion are ongoing commitments. Through meaningful adjustments, open dialogue, and everyday inclusive practices, we can each contribute to making Sussex a place where everyone feels supported and able to succeed.

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