Disability Inclusion

Understanding Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty, affecting around 1 in 10 Victorians. It influences how a person learns to read, write, spell, and process written language, but it does not affect intelligence and isn’t caused by vision problems.

Dyslexia is a brain-based learning difference that makes it harder to work with phonology (the sounds in language) and orthography (the written form of language). This can make reading slow, tiring, or stressful for students.

Possible Signs of Dyslexia 

• 📖 Difficulty learning letter–sound relationships or blending sounds
• 🔤 Guessing words instead of decoding them
• 🗣️ Frequent reading errors or reading slowly without expression
• 🙈 Avoiding reading aloud or showing stress when asked to read
• 📚 Poor reading comprehension
• ⏳ Taking longer to complete literacy tasks
• 💭 Signs of anxiety about school or low self-esteem
• 🧩 Difficulties with working memory

How Dyslexia is Identified

A psychologist can assess a student’s strengths and challenges to determine if dyslexia is present. Assessments often include tests of thinking skills, language processing, and academic achievement.

Supporting Students with Dyslexia

With the right support, students with dyslexia can make excellent progress. Helpful strategies include:

• 🔎 Explicit, structured teaching of phonics and reading skills
• 📗 Regular opportunities to practise reading and spelling
• 📘 Use of decodable readers in early reading stages

Classroom Adjustments that Help

Simple adjustments can make a huge difference to confidence and success. Examples include:

• 🎧 Allowing the use of audiobooks or text-to-speech tools
• ✋ Only asking students to read aloud if they’re comfortable
• 🕐 Providing extra time to complete tasks
• 📝 Supplying outlines, summaries, and word banks
• 💬 Allowing verbal responses or alternative ways to show learning
• 💻 Providing support with spelling, writing, and editing
• 🚫 Avoiding copying notes from the board
• 🧠 Making allowances for working memory challenges
• 📩 Sending key information and homework directly to parents/carers

At LESC

At Lakes Entrance Secondary College, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed. Understanding and supporting students with dyslexia helps ensure all learners feel capable, valued, and confident — reflecting our values of Respect, Trust and Try.

Dani Derksen - Disability Inclusion Leader 

Ruby Swallow - Disability Inclusion Adminstration Assistant