Creating an Inclusive Workplace: Universal Design for Learning Disabilities

smitasgupta
4 days ago
2 min read

Supporting employees with Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia extends beyond legal compliance. When organizations implement appropriate accommodations, they retain skilled employees, increase productivity, and strengthen their competitive advantage.

Understanding Learning Disabilities in the Workplace

Dyslexia affects reading, spelling, and processing written information. Employees with dyslexia may read slowly, struggle with dense documents, or transpose letters and numbers. These challenges do not reflect intelligence or work ethic.

Dysgraphia impacts writing abilities, including handwriting, spelling, and organizing thoughts on paper. Employees may have difficulty taking notes, completing forms, or producing written reports within standard timeframes.

Dyscalculia affects number processing and mathematical reasoning. Employees may struggle with calculations, interpreting data, managing time, or working with spreadsheets and financial information.

Why This Matters

Learning disabilities affect a significant portion of the working population. Many talented employees struggle silently with reading, writing, or processing numerical information. Universal design principles benefit everyone, not just those with identified learning disabilities.

A Practical Tool for Your Organization

We developed the Universal Design Workplace Checklist to help employers move from awareness to action. This comprehensive resource provides specific, implementable strategies that address common workplace barriers faced by employees with learning disabilities. The checklist format allows organizations to assess current practices, identify gaps, and prioritize improvements systematically.

What the Checklist Offers

Our Universal Design Workplace Checklist provides practical, actionable strategies across eight key areas:

Reading and Written Communication Supports: Assistive technology recommendations, document formatting guidelines, and strategies to make written materials more accessible and easier to process.
Writing and Documentation Accommodations: Alternative methods for completing written tasks, including speech-to-text options, templates, and tools that reduce the cognitive load of writing.
Numbers and Data Processing Tools: Technology and visual strategies that support employees who struggle with calculations, financial data, and numerical information.
Clear Communication and Instruction Methods: Approaches for delivering information in multiple formats to ensure all employees can access and understand workplace communications.
Organization and Time Management Systems: Digital tools and structured approaches that help employees manage projects, deadlines, and competing priorities effectively.
Work Environment Modifications: Physical and sensory adjustments that reduce distractions and create optimal conditions for focus and productivity.
Culture and Support Practices: Organizational policies and training that create a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable requesting accommodations.

Quick Wins for Your Organization

Provide text-to-speech and speech-to-text software to support reading and writing tasks
Use dyslexia-friendly fonts and formatting in all company documents
Offer information in multiple formats to accommodate different processing styles
Allow flexible work arrangements to reduce commute-related cognitive fatigue
Create templates for common workplace tasks to minimize formatting challenges
Train managers on learning disabilities and accommodation implementation

The Bottom Line

Implementing these accommodations increases productivity, reduces stress, and improves retention. Most accommodations are low-cost or free and benefit your entire team.

Need Support?

FormEdOn Educational Services provides active employee wellness and accessibility support to organizations and employers. We create individualized accommodation plans and provide implementation support to help you build a truly inclusive workplace.