Shedding light on a “hidden” disability: Realizing the potential of dyslexic employees

Abstract

Purpose

Considers the training and development challenges surrounding people with a learning disability such as dyslexia and the small changes human resource specialists can make to improve the wellbeing and productivity of disabled employees.

Design/methodology/approach

Draws upon the author's professional experience, together with relevant literature.

Findings

Argues that more should be done to ensure that organizations are disability‐friendly. Highlights the need for management‐wide awareness of disabilities and the role of training and assistive technologies to support this process.

Practical implications

Suggests that HR specialists can help disabled employees to realize their potential and improve productivity by heightened awareness of their condition by management and through the implementation of specialized training and assistive technology.

Social implications

Argues that developing an inclusive culture where disabled employees feel secure and supported should be fundamental to any HR department's role within an organization.

Originality/value

Helps HR specialists and managers to think differently about dealing with disabled employees.

Citation

Sanderson, A. (2011), "Shedding light on a “hidden” disability: Realizing the potential of dyslexic employees", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 19 No. 1, pp. 36-38. https://doi.org/10.1108/09670731111101615