Every student learns differently, and having the right support in place can make a real difference to their university experience. Dyslexia Awareness Week Scotland, taking place from 28 September to 4 October, is an opportunity to highlight the importance of this support and the different ways it can help people learn and work at their best. This year, the campaign champions access to useful, reasonable adjustments and the right tools for the job.
QMU's Disability Service works with students to understand their individual needs and put appropriate support in place, including reasonable adjustments, Individual Learning Plans, assistive technology and support with Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).
For some students, support can begin with recognising that they may be experiencing difficulties with learning.
For BSc (Hons) Radiotherapy and Oncology student Ellen Sweeney, a conversation with one of her lecturers changed her university experience. Having struggled with reading and processing information throughout secondary school, Ellen said she had always assumed she simply needed to work harder.
When I started at QMU, one of my lecturers noticed the way I was learning and subtly suggested that I get assessed for dyslexia. That moment changed everything!
Following her diagnosis, Ellen was able to access the support and guidance she needed. She says this made a significant difference to both her confidence and academic progress, with lecturers ensuring she had the tools she needed to succeed. She also used QMU’s Effective Learning Service to develop her academic skills and adapt to the demands of university study.
Finding the right support
For Renata Chudzik, who studied BA (Hons) Education Studies, her personal experience with dyslexia was one of the reasons she was drawn to studying education.
"During my own schooling, I struggled without the necessary resources to help me navigate my learning challenges,” she explained. This experience inspired her to pursue a career where she could help create a more equitable educational environment for others.
During her time at QMU, Renata accessed several student support services. The Disability Service helped her with her Disabled Students’ Allowance application because of her dyslexia, while the Effective Learning Service (ELS) helped build her confidence in academic writing.
The team’s guidance made the process much smoother and ensured I received the accommodations I needed.
Renata says the support she received at QMU helped her navigate both her studies and personal life effectively. She has since gone on to work as a Student Wellbeing and Support Assistant at Newbattle Abbey College, where she supports students with their studies and wellbeing.
Support that works for the individual
For BA (Hons) Costume Design and Construction graduate Keira Dunnett, getting the right support was also a journey. Keira received support from QMU’s Disability Service before being diagnosed with dyslexia towards the end of her third year.
Having so much support through this time in my life has been transformational, and I cannot express my gratitude enough for the disability team at QMU and the individuals that have helped me.
Keira also encourages other students who need support to keep asking for it, saying that although it took a few avenues to find the right people, getting that support “has changed my experience for the better.”
At QMU, support is tailored to each student and their circumstances. The Disability Service can help students explore their support needs and identify reasonable adjustments for learning, assessments and exams. Students can also access assistive technology and advice on tools that can support reading, writing, note-taking, organisation and planning.
Students don't need to have a formal diagnosis before getting in touch. If you're experiencing difficulties with your studies and think dyslexia or another specific learning difference could be affecting you, the Disability Service can advise you on the next steps.
Dyslexia Awareness Week Scotland 2026 is focused on support, reasonable adjustments and the things that help people with dyslexia to work and learn at their best.
At QMU, we're committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where students can access the support and tools they need to make the most of their university experience.
Find out more about QMU’s Disability Service and the support available to students
