Students in Denmark advocate for improved support processes for dyslexia assistance

Students facing challenges like dyslexia have access to educational support, yet the bureaucratic nature of the system has left many waiting for essential assistance. Various student and school organizations are calling for a streamlined process to obtain special pedagogical support (SPS), which is designed for students in vocational education who have documented disabilities.

Allan Kortnum, president of the Danish Association of Vocational Schools and Gymnasiums, highlights the lengthy identification and processing times that delay the support students desperately need. In collaboration with six other organizations, they have outlined six proposals aimed at expediting aid.

Dyslexic students like Marcus Bräuner and Mathias Buchwald Christensen, studying to become property service technicians, report difficulties in completing assignments, with tasks taking significantly longer than for their peers. Bräuner struggles particularly with report writing and has waited a long time for a computer that would assist him, leading to setbacks in his studies.

The number of students receiving SPS has increased significantly in recent years. From 2013 to 2022, the count more than doubled. Growing awareness and improved testing for dyslexia contribute to this rise. However, some students are forced to interrupt their studies due to untimely help, prompting recommendations for schools to receive upfront funding for immediate support.

Lawmakers like Sofie Lippert and Helena Artmann Andresen are also addressing these issues, advocating for a more efficient processing system, noting that early support is crucial during the initial stages of education. The education minister acknowledges the pressure this situation puts on the system and expresses a willingness to meet with stakeholders to discuss proposed improvements to SPS.

The six proposed changes include annual funding for schools, early screening for dyslexia, and ensuring support continuity throughout a student’s education.