How to Ask for Reasonable Adjustments in the Workplace

Navigating the workplace as a dyslexic professional comes with both strengths and challenges. While dyslexia brings creativity, problem-solving skills, and innovative thinking, traditional work environments can sometimes create barriers that make certain tasks more difficult.

Requesting reasonable adjustments isn't about asking for special treatment—it’s about ensuring you have the right tools and support to work at your full potential. This guide will help you approach the conversation with confidence and clarity.

1. Understand Your Rights

Dyslexia is legally recognised as a disability in many countries, meaning employers have a legal duty to provide reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair and accessible workplace. In the UK, this falls under the Equality Act 2010, while in the US, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides similar protections. Australia’s Disability Discrimination Act and Canada’s Accessible Canada Act also support workplace accommodations.

These adjustments are designed to remove barriers, allowing you to work effectively.

However, as we’ve discussed in our article on the limitations of the Equality Act, enforcing these rights isn’t always straightforward. That’s why taking a proactive approach to securing support can make all the difference. Understanding your rights gives you the confidence to ask for adjustments that help you perform at your best—wherever you are in the world.

📌 Examples of Reasonable Adjustments:

✅ Assistive technology – Text-to-speech software, speech-to-text tools, or mind-mapping apps to support reading and writing.

✅ Extra time for tasks – Additional time for reading-heavy or writing-based work to reduce stress and improve accuracy.

✅ Workspace adjustments – A quieter area to work, noise-cancelling headphones, or screen filters to reduce visual strain.

✅ Alternative formats – Receiving key information as audio summaries, visual guides, or bullet-pointed instructions instead of long emails or reports.

Why it matters: These adjustments don’t just benefit employees—they help businesses improve productivity, engagement, and retention by enabling neurodivergent employees to work at their best.

2. Identify the Adjustments You Need

Before discussing adjustments with your employer, it's essential to assess your specific challenges and explore solutions that could help. By identifying what you need in advance, you can approach the conversation with confidence and clear requests. Some questions to consider:

🔹 Which tasks feel most difficult due to dyslexia?

🔹 Have you used strategies or tools in the past that worked well?

🔹 Could adjustments to your work environment, communication methods, or schedule help?

💡 Example: If reading long emails slows you down and causes delays in responding, you might request access to text-to-speech software or audio summaries to help you process information faster and work more efficiently.

By preparing in advance and understanding what works best for you, you’ll be in a stronger position to advocate for adjustments that will enhance your work experience and productivity.

3. Prepare Your Case

When requesting reasonable adjustments, it’s important to present your case in a way that emphasises productivity and efficiency. Instead of solely focusing on the difficulties dyslexia presents, highlight how the right support will enable you to work more effectively and contribute to the company’s success.

A well-prepared request shows your employer that these adjustments aren’t just about personal preference—they are practical solutions that boost performance, efficiency, and overall job satisfaction.

📌 How to Prepare:

✅ Document Challenges – Keep track of specific situations where dyslexia has affected your work. Noting real examples will help you explain why adjustments are necessary.

✅ Research Solutions – Identify the tools, strategies, or workplace changes that could help. Employers are more likely to approve adjustments if they can see a clear solution to the challenge.

✅ Frame the Request Positively – Instead of focusing on the struggle, emphasise how an adjustment will enhance your productivity, accuracy, or efficiency, benefiting both you and the company.

💡 Example Request: Instead of saying, "I struggle with proofreading long documents," you could say:

🗣️ "I find it challenging to proofread lengthy documents efficiently. If I had access to Grammarly’s premium tools, I could improve my accuracy and save time on revisions."

By showing the direct impact of an adjustment and how it benefits both you and the business, you increase the likelihood of a positive response from your employer.

4. Approach the Right Person

To ensure your request is considered seriously, direct it to someone with the authority to approve workplace adjustments. In most cases, this will be your line manager or HR department, but some companies also have a diversity and inclusion officer who can act as an advocate. Choosing the right person can make a big difference in how smoothly the process goes.

If you’re unsure where to start, HR can guide you to the appropriate contact. The key is to approach the conversation professionally and proactively, showing that your request is well thought out.

📌 Tips for Setting Up a Meeting:

✅ Give advance notice – Let the person know the topic of discussion so they have time to prepare. This makes the conversation more productive.

✅ Be clear about your goal – Explain that you’d like to discuss workplace adjustments to improve your efficiency and productivity.

✅ Ask if unsure – If you’re not certain who to speak to, reach out to HR to find the best point of contact.

Taking the initiative and planning your approach increases the chances of a constructive conversation that leads to meaningful support.

5. Have the Conversation

When requesting adjustments, it’s important to approach the conversation in a way that keeps it focused, constructive, and solution-driven. A well-structured discussion helps your employer understand your needs while demonstrating your commitment to productivity and success.

📌 How to Structure Your Request:

1️⃣ Start with Strengths – Begin by highlighting your skills and contributions to the team.

2️⃣ Explain the Challenges – Describe the specific difficulties dyslexia creates in your role.

3️⃣ Propose Adjustments – Suggest practical solutions that would improve your efficiency.

4️⃣ Be Open to Dialogue – Encourage discussion and explore potential solutions together.

💡 Example Conversation Starter:

🗣️ "I take pride in producing high-quality work, but I’ve noticed that proofreading long reports takes me significantly longer than expected, which affects my overall efficiency in the role. I believe using speech-to-text software would help me streamline my workflow and improve accuracy. Would it be possible to explore this option?"

By framing the request positively and focusing on solutions, you increase the chances of a productive and supportive discussion.

6. Follow Up in Writing

After your meeting, it’s important to send a follow-up email summarising the discussion and any agreed-upon next steps. This ensures there is a clear record of your request and helps keep the process on track.

📩 Example Follow-Up Email:

Subject: Follow-Up on Reasonable Adjustments Discussion

Dear [Manager’s Name],

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me to discuss reasonable adjustments.

As we covered, the key challenges I’ve been facing include [briefly list challenges], and we explored solutions such as [list proposed adjustments]. I appreciate your willingness to consider these options and look forward to hearing about the next steps.

Please let me know if you need any further information.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

By following up in writing, you create a record of your request and keep the conversation moving forward professionally.

7. Know When to Escalate

If your employer is unresponsive or unwilling to accommodate your needs, don’t be discouraged—you still have options to pursue the support you deserve.

📌 What You Can Do:

✅ Request further discussions with HR or a senior manager.

✅ Seek external advice from organisations like Acas or the British Dyslexia Association.

✅ Consider legal options if all else fails—but this should be a last resort.

✅ Reassess your position—if your workplace remains unsupportive, it may be worth exploring opportunities in organisations that value and accommodate neurodiversity.

While the Equality Act 2010 provides legal protections, practical solutions—such as open discussions and mediation—are often the fastest and most effective route to securing workplace support. However, if your employer refuses to make reasonable adjustments, you have every right to seek a workplace where you feel valued and supported.

8. Leverage External Resources

If your employer needs guidance, funding, or expert advice on reasonable adjustments, several organisations can help. Seeking external support can provide clarity, reassurance, and practical solutions to ensure you receive the adjustments you need.

📌 Where to Find Support:

✅ Pro Dyslexic – Specialised support for dyslexic professionals, including workplace advocacy, career coaching, and tailored advice on securing adjustments.

✅ British Dyslexia Association (BDA) – Guidance on workplace rights, legal protections, and employer responsibilities.

✅ Access to Work – Government-funded support for workplace adjustments, including assistive technology and coaching (UK only).

✅ JobAccess (Australia) – Government-funded advice and support for employees with disabilities, including workplace modifications and funding for assistive technology.

or

✅ International Dyslexia Association (USA) – Resources and advocacy for dyslexic professionals, including workplace accommodations and legal rights.

💡 Final Thoughts

Advocating for yourself in the workplace can feel daunting, but securing the right adjustments is key to unlocking your full potential. The more prepared and proactive you are, the smoother the process will be.

✨ Your dyslexia is not a weakness—it can be a strength. With the right support, you can thrive in any role and contribute meaningfully to your workplace. 💡💪