Learners with dyslexia can face a unique set of challenges when studying in prison.
This neurological difference can have a significant impact during education, in the workplace and in everyday life. It is a specific learning difficulty which primarily affects reading and writing skills.
A landmark report on neurodiversity by HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) in 2021 found that 50% of people in prison are estimated to have dyslexia, compared to 10% for the general population.
Last summer – four years after that report – HMIP published a blog looking at what has changed.
Progress includes the introduction of Neurodiversity Support Managers in over 100 prisons, as well as improvements in staff training and earlier identification of learners’ needs. Other positive changes in prisons include the introduction of quiet spaces, sensory items and visual aids.
Supporting PET learners with dyslexia
As part of our goal to extend our reach and support in prisons, we have been looking into the experiences of neurodivergent PET learners.
Our application form asks learners to tell us about any specific support they may need. This allows us to liaise with prison education departments to request adjustments, and if necessary to contact the course provider to explore further options.
Learners have told us that helpful practical adjustments can include:
- 25% extra time in exams
- Coloured overlays or forms printed on coloured paper
- Access to word processing software with spelling and grammar tools
- Use of reader pens
What PET learners tell us
Learners with dyslexia often tell us about the challenges they face in prison, and strategies they have found useful in addressing them. Euan, who is studying PET’s Fisheries Management Certificate, told us:
My neurodiversity and divergence are challenging, but not a barrier to learning.
I need to work for shorter times and use a colour overlay to aid text reading. With my dyslexia my progress may be slower than other students, but I am very driven to be successful.
Marcus, who is working toward a National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, said:
I struggle to get the words on paper but over the years I have learnt various techniques to cope.
Whilst filling out countless forms in my life, I’ve learnt the best way is short bursts of work which gives me the best result for the quality and content of my work. I’ve found that different colour text and backgrounds helps me out a lot, as well as coloured screens to put over texts.
Looking ahead
Unfortunately, ill-conceived national cuts to prison education have put the support available to learners with additional needs at risk.
This year, PET will aim to identify where good practice continues to happen across the prison estate, and explore where support for neurodivergent learners and those with additional needs has become more challenging.
Support that is tailored to different groups of learners is not an optional extra within the prison system – it is an essential part of ensuring that prison education is accessible, effective and transformative.
Whether support comes from course providers, peers or education staff, learners with dyslexia have told us that studying in prison can be inspiring and rewarding despite the challenges – meaning that dyslexia should never be a barrier to applying for a PET course.
Read our new report which calls on government to protect and strengthen distance learning in prison.