Congratulations to Central’s Dyslexia Support Team who have been awarded the Association of Dyslexia Specialists in Higher Education’s (aDShe) Institutional Award! 

The aDShe Institutional Award recognises the work of a department or team working in further/ higher education and their contribution to the promotion, support, diagnosis or recognition of dyslexia and the support of dyslexic students. Central’s specialist team of Visiting Lecturer 1:1 Support Tutors, led by Tanya Zybutz and Pauline Sumner, were the recipients of this year’s award. The team includes Cheri Shone, Christina Lovey, Deborah Groves, Fran Barry, Kate Reich and Leslie Doyle, as well as Central’s recently welcomed tutors Henri Court, Kamila, Richad, Shirley Dow and Will.  

Alongside Central, the Institutional Award was jointly awarded to the Learning Support Team at the University of Hull. 

This is the second time that Central’s Dyslexia Support Team have been the recipients of the aDShe Institutional Award, having previously won in 2017 in recognition of their work.  

Of the Award, Central’s Dyslexia Coordinator Tanya Zybutz said: 

“It is a rare moment when the people who are at the coalface of sudden and unplanned changes get recognition for their efforts and successes. And that’s exactly where we are with Central’s Dyslexia Support team with this award for our group of VL tutors. Our tutors conduct themselves as if they were in-service staff with a dedication and passion for their students and their work and a willingness to go that extra mile.  

Our service to our students transitioned from face-to-face to virtual support without any break in sessions. Complex paperwork and learning new virtual formats were taken in their stride; space was found at home to work with students confidentially and professionally. And more than this, the context of our conservatoire-University meant that our students were facing unprecedented challenges as subjects which were never designed for non-face-to-face encounters suddenly had to morph, or else would be paused for the entirety of lockdown. This placed unprecedented stress on curriculum delivery and a ‘learningverse’ that was the antithesis of conducive to many neurodivergent learners whose talents and skills and future careers are predicated on the live encounter.  

Our VL tutors met the multitude of challenges maintaining the excellent standard that has become the hallmark of the Service as well as delivering staff training to the entire School on the neurodivergent student experience of studying in a neurotypically structured higher education environment. We thank them for their collegiality and positive spirit in the face of extreme challenges; our students thank them for their dedication and grace.” 

Of her work with the managers of the DDS Team, Visiting specialist tutor Kate Reich said: 

“Thank you again, for your unwavering support and inspiring perseverance. Quite honestly couldn’t do it without you.” 

Dyslexia and neuro-diversity are common amongst the student and staff community at Central, with specific learning differences often seen in people who are talented at visual or performance-based skills. About 18% of students at Central are dyslexic or dyspraxic and the School’s Disability and Dyslexia Service actively encourages the understanding of neuro-diversity and works to promote teaching, learning and assessment strategies that are inclusive at the point of design.  

The Service provides support to dyslexic, dyspraxic and neuro-diverse students in numerous ways, from the audition and interview process through to free screening appointments with specialist tutors; with making applications to the Disabled Students’ Allowance and with DSA funded needs assessments.  The team also provide 1:1 specialist study-skills support. 

Central’s students have said of the Service: 

“The support and guidance has always been invaluable… if you are lucky enough to have access to the service, use it!” 

“I profusely believed in my first year that I wasn’t dyslexic. If the DDS had not been friendly and approachable with their free no hassle screenings, I would not have entertained the idea.” 

The support and guidance has always been invaluable… if you are lucky enough to have access to the service, use it!

The Association of Dyslexia Specialists in Higher Education is the professional association of and for specialists who work in Higher Education. Founded in 2001, it aims to promote and disseminate knowledge on all aspects of neurodivergent teaching and learning in this context to promote inclusive learning environments.  Its Awards recognise best practice in the field.  The aDShe is committed to the right of neurodivergent students to receive equitable, specialist, professional support, enabling them to flourish in academic environments and beyond. Core to their work is an understanding of the impact of intersectionality, as is their belief in inclusive practice. 

You can find out more about the work of the Association of Dyslexia Specialists in Higher Education by visiting the aDShe website

Learn more about the work of Central’s Disability and Dyslexia Service, including the specific support provided to neuro-diverse students by the Dyslexia Support Team.

Students can find out more about the Service and request further information and assistance by contacting the team on NDS@cssd.ac.uk to arrange an appointment.  

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