Dyslexia may be a disability!
by Sarah
The EAT ruled yesterday that Dyslexia may be a disability. In this case the policeman had medical evidence which suggested that he should be given 25% extra time in his exams for promotion, as a result of his dyslexia. This was newly diagnosed and he had not previously had problems in the numerical and literacy parts of his 15 year career with the force.
The Tribunal said that the diagnosis was not a disability, as the important thing was to look at what he could do. They concluded that his dyslexia only had a minor impact on his day-to-day activities (not substantial as required by legislation) and thus he was not disabled.
The EAT overturned this decision and said he was disabled. It is the comparison between what the individual can do (with his impairment) and what he would be able to do without the impairment, which is important in determining whether he was disabled. Taking 25% longer to complete his exams meant he was at a substantial disadvantage compared to his position if he did not have dyslexia. You can read the full decision here.
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