Paying for
assessments
(UK).
Adult
dyslexia assessments: sources of funding.
1. BUPA, PPP etc. Some private health
insurance companies will fund assessments by chartered psychologists. In the case
of BUPA, you can get a referral to the psychologist directly from your GP; in
the case of the other companies, you may have to follow a more complicated route
through a hospital consultant. In either case, do not rely on the NHS to find
a psychologist for you. Locate an appropriately qualified psychologist yourself
through your local Dyslexia Association and give the name of this particular psychologist
to your GP/Consultant.
It is best to request a general cognitive or psychological
assessment rather than a specific dyslexia assessment as the insurance company
may feel the latter is not in their remit. You could mention problems with memory,
concentration, perception, learning and literacy, as appropriate.
2. EMPLOYERS. An employer is often
willing to fund the assessment, either directly or through their own health insurance,
once it is realised that an employee may be dyslexic. If significant dyslexic
difficulties are diagnosed, then the employer would be under legal obligation
to make reasonable adjustments in the workplace. Further information is available
from the Disability Employment Adviser at the local job centre.
3. EMPLOYMENT SERVICE. If you are
a job-seeker, and feel you might be dyslexic, you may be able to arrange an assessment
through the Employment Service. Contact the Disability Employment Adviser at your
local job centre. 4. DYSLEXIA ORGANISATIONS.
Most of the main dyslexia institutes and organisations
offer bursary schemes. Try the Dyslexia Institute, the Hornsby Centre, the Dyslexia
Teaching Centre in London, the Helen Arkell Centre in Farnham. Also try the local
branch of the British Dyslexia Association.
5. CHARITIES. Try educational or local
charities, or church organisations.
6. HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS.
If you are accepted onto a course in a college of higher education, you could
qualify for a Disabled Students Allowance. The Allowance does not cover the cost
of the initial assessment, but many colleges are prepared to cover the cost of
this themselves. If all else fails, it may be worth trying to borrow the money
to have the assessment, as if you are awarded the Allowance, you may receive aid
worth several thousand pounds. Dr.
S. Moody.
co-author of ‘Dyslexia in the Workplace’,
published by Whurr. Whurr
Publishers.
Amazon.com.
Amazon.co.uk.
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