Frequently Asked Questions
I’m dyslexic so I find application forms very difficult. Will I be penalised because of this?
No, as long as you make it known in your application that you are dyslexic. Dyslexia comes within the definition of a disability under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA).The sponsor directorate (the Scottish Government directorate responsible for the appointment) must not discriminate against you because of your disability, so it has a duty to make reasonable adjustments to the selection process to ensure that you are not disadvantaged by your dyslexia. The sort of adjustments which might be reasonable will vary from case to case, but might range from allowing your application to be dictated, to simply not penalising you for errors of grammar or written style.
Naturally, you will still have to prove yourself the best candidate if you are to be appointed, but you will have the opportunity to present your skills and knowledge in a way which does not unfairly discriminate against you. The public body would also be under a duty to make reasonable adjustments for your dyslexia if you were appointed to the board. Further information on the DDA definition of a disability can be found on Equality and Human Rights Commission website.
From December 2006 all public bodies, and the Scottish Government, will also have a wider legal duty to give due regard to promoting equality of opportunity for disabled people.
