As an exchange student in London, Ingunn Johannesen experienced how well studies can be adapted to the needs of dyslexics. Back at UiO, she is not receiving much help.

2008-09-17 På norsk

During her time as an exchange student at University College of London (UCL), dyslexic Ingunn Johannesen was offered extended lending periods on books, extended exam times in separate rooms, as well as proofreading of her assignments before they were handed in. Back in Oslo she has been looking for the same measures, but to no avail. After her return home in the spring of 2007, Johannesen sent a letter to the Consulting Services for Disabled Students at the University of Oslo (UiO), in which she inquired about separate exam rooms for students with extended exam times first and foremost, and also pointed to a lack of audio versions of the syllabus.

- The few arrangements that they have at UiO, they are not able to follow through on properly, says Johannesen, who is now an MA student of Political Science.

A vulnerable group

Johannesen criticizes amongst other things the arrangements for offering the syllabus on audio tape. This term she has received two out of four compendiums on tape, while the articles that make up over half of the syllabus are still missing. Dyslexics are offered extended times on exams, but Johannesen has experienced being disturbed during this time by students leaving the premises and exam supervisors who are not aware of the fact that she can sit for longer.

- It is a big shame that UiO cannot have the same helpful arrangements that they have at UCL. Dyslexics are already facing a challenging situation. It is important that the adaption routines work as they are supposed to, she says.

A large group

The exact number of dyslexics studying at UiO is uncertain, but on a yearly basis approximately 60 students seek help from the Consulting Services with this problem.

- Dyslexics constitute one of the largest groups who come to us for assistance, so we have many helpful arrangements for this group. We do our own dyslexia tests, and offer a course in study techniques especially directed at students who have difficulties related to reading and writing, Holly K. de Pellicer of the Consulting Services for Disabled Students at UiO states.

When it comes to the syllabus, dyslexics do not have the right to demand this on audio tape, but the university is trying to make as much of the syllabus as possible available in a more suited medium, according to Pellicer. The Consulting Services also informs that proofreading of assignments and extended lending periods on books are services that are already on offer at UiO. Johannesen, who has been in regular contact with the Consulting Services for the last few years, has however not heard of these services:

- I find it very strange that they have never mentioned this any of the times that I have spoken to them, she says.

Petrine Nyhus • Translated by Anna Young