The aim is to make diagnostic assessments for dyslexia more accessible for ICE members and their families.
The ICE Benevolent Fund (BenFund) has partnered with the British Dyslexia Association to make dyslexia assessments more accessible for ICE members and their families.
With 10% of the population believed to be dyslexic, the Benevolent Fund wanted to provide support for those who might be affected by the condition.
In the UK, dyslexia assessments can't be pursued through the NHS, falling within the remit of private healthcare only.
Diagnostic assessments vary in price, costing between £600 and £900 per person on average.
The BenFund will be asking service users for a nominal contribution towards the assessment, based on circumstances.
In the case of a low income, the referral will be fully funded by the BenFund.
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Why is a diagnosis important?
There are a lot of reasons that a person may wish to have a diagnostic assessment for dyslexia.
Many countries fund additional educational support for children with a dyslexia diagnosis.
Many school systems also provide special accommodations for students who have been diagnosed, such as:
- extra time for written exams or assignments
- specialist equipment like e-readers
- additional time with a teaching assistant
Likewise, in the workplace, there are accommodations that employers can make for people living with dyslexia.
These may include:
- using voicemail rather than written memos
- supply of screen-reading software or an e-reader
- allowing additional breaks
- printing resources on different coloured paper
- asking someone else to take minutes of meetings
Someone living with dyslexia may just wish to have a greater understanding of why they, or their child, are experiencing difficulties and how these can best be supported.
Who can access the support?
The service is available to:
- Current ICE members who have had more than one year's membership.
- Previous ICE members who have had at least five years’ ICE membership.
- Spouse or partner of an ICE member.
- Inside of the UK: dependent children of an ICE member who are over the age of seven.
- Outside of the UK: dependent children of an ICE member who are over the age of 12 (as assessments must be carried out online in this circumstance).
What else is on offer?
ICE members and their families can also book their free place on the BenFund’s upcoming webinar on dyslexia, which will take place on 2 October 2024, ahead of Dyslexia Awareness Week.
This webinar will highlight the impact of dyslexia on people living with it, the indicators in children and adults, and the support available to ICE members and their families.
To find out more, contact the BenFund.
