Dyslexia Awareness Month: Dyslexia Ireland advocates for fairer exams for all students

DYSLEXIA workshops take place on Thursdays from 4.30pm to 6pm in Bandon Primary School, Convent Hill, Coolfadda, Bandon for 2nd to 6th class.

Workshop coordinator Richard O'Regan said: 'I began work in the West Cork workshop in 2018. Immediately I could see the positive impact it was having and I have been involved since.

I took over a couple of years ago as coordinator and it has been a pleasure to lead the wonderful team of tutors who inspire our students to reach their full potential.

Last April, I spoke with a parent of a student who was finishing up in the workshop as he was heading on to secondary school this year. That parent told me of how her son came out to the car after three weeks of the workshop, she asked him how he was getting on and he simply said 'Mum, this is a place where I really feel I belong'.

That sums it all up for me really. The confidence the children get from it is so evident.

Unfortunately we have a small waiting list now but I encourage parents to get in touch via [email protected] and get their names on the waiting list and I will contact them the minute we have a place.

I would like to say a big thank you to Meabh Nyhan, Principal and all in Bandon Primary School. They have allowed us to host our workshop in their school, allowed us use of their facilities and have been so supportive throughout these past few years. We could not be making the impact we are without their support.

If the workshop is not an option for you, I do encourage people to check out dyslexia.ie. There are fantastic supports there including the Dyslexia Hub.'

The month of October Is Dyslexia Awareness Month and the 8th October is World Dyslexia Day.

It is a time of deepening understanding of dyslexia and highlighting the experiences and needs of dyslexic people.

Dyslexia Ireland is specifically advocating and highlighting the urgent need for extra time in exams for young people who are dyslexic, dyscalculic or neurodivergent, in line with our awareness month theme of ‘It’s about time! Fair exams for all’.

Despite very positive comments by a government minister in the Seanad in July (as well as pledges of support from the majority of the Oireachtas members, and over 33,000 people signing their public petition), the State Examinations Commission (SEC) has said they are not yet in a position to formally confirm any changes to the RACE scheme for the 2026 exams.

Yet another year has passed where another cohort of Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate students has been denied accommodations commonly available internationally and in colleges and universities here in Ireland.

This is a hugely impactful area for dyslexic young people in Ireland.

Dyslexic young people consistently struggle with running out of time in exams.

Meaning they are not given the chance to properly express their knowledge of the subject due to time.

Dyslexic young people commonly experience a slower processing time when reading, writing and recalling information.

Dyslexia Ireland believe the institutional barriers neurodivergent young people face in exams in Ireland should be removed.

It is important that clear and fair eligibility criteria are set for extra time urgently.

Certainty on this issue is needed now to support students with dyslexia and other learning difficulties who are preparing for exams in 2026.

We believe TDs and Senators and the State Examinations Commission must take action now on:

The introduction of extra time to the suite of RACE accommodations.

Enhanced access to a wider range of assistive technology.

Earlier confirmation of accommodations for students.

Faster progress with the promised review of the RACE scheme.

'We are calling on the Minister for Education and Youth to urgently address the unequal playing field for students with dyslexia (and other neurodivergence) in our state exams. Providing extra time isn't an advantage; it's a necessary accommodation that allows these students to demonstrate their knowledge without the barrier of time pressure. This accommodation is the norm internationally and in Irish universities. We need immediate action from the State Examinations Commission to ensure our second level students aren't left behind any longer - the time for change is now.' Dyslexia Ireland’s CEO, Rosie Bissett

‘Extra time is about fairness. With dyslexia, it takes longer to read and write, and without that time my daughter’s Junior Cycle results won’t reflect what she really knows. Reasonable accommodation is not a favour - it’s a right. For students like my daughter with dyslexia and dyscalculia, it’s what ensures equity in exams and lets her results reflect her true ability. Extra time in exams is a fair and necessary adaptation. Without this support, she is not able to show her full potential, and the exam would measure her processing speed rather than her knowledge and skills. Fiona MacDermott, Mother

‘When I’m doing my exams, I feel as if I know the answers but can’t write them down quick enough. Extra time would help me be at the same level as my peers, as I’m constantly running out of time in exams!’ Leaving Cert Student

‘Spelling, handwriting and reading are difficult for me, and extra time is so important to help level the playing field. I really hope I get extra time in the Leaving Cert, it would make a massive difference.’ Dylan, Junior Cycle Student

‘For me, extra time is simply about fairness. Allowing additional time for students with dyslexia in state examinations would give them the chance to demonstrate their full potential. Students without dyslexia already have that opportunity; now it’s time to balance the scales and ensure that students with dyslexia are afforded the same fairness.’ Richard, Teacher.