Sandra Fox with trainee Adam Worslex  

Learners at The College of Haringey Enfield and North East London who need support with literacy, including those with dyslexia, are benefiting from specialised software and staff that will help them with their studies.

The range of software available, which allows learners to convert speech to text, magnify sections of the screen or map ideas for essays, includes Unit of Sound, MindGenius, ReadWrite Gold on PC and ClaroRead for Mac Virtual Magnifying Glass and Star Spell – all aimed at making reading and writing accessible to people who need additional support.

Referred to as Assistive Technology, it is offered to all learners and delivered through the College’s Additional Learning Support Team.

Sandra Fox, a member of the team, specialises in ICT dyslexia support - enhanced by her own experience of dyslexia. She said: “By the time young people get to the College they should have been identified as dyslexic so when they enrol we can put together a support package that will put them on an equal par with their fellow students.”

Demi Stylianou, Director of Skills for Life and Work, added: “Offering this type of support is essential in ensuring that all the learners that choose to study with us have the best possible chance to progress into work or onto higher education.”