§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his estimate of the percentage of the population with severe literacy problems caused by dyslexia; and if he will make it his policy to ensure that they are covered by regulations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. [17918]
§ Mr. BurtInformation is not held centrally about the percentage of the population with severe literacy problems caused by dyslexia.
The Disability Discrimination Act defines disability as a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Anyone with dyslexia meeting this definition will be protected by the provisions of the legislation. Effects which are severe would satisfy the requirement that effects should be at least substantial.