According to Afasic, 1 in 500 children have a speech or language disorder that stays with them into adulthood. This term covers a range of impediments (including symptoms of other conditions) which result in either impairment in the understanding and processing of language, or in speech.
The most common speech disorder is stammering, which affects around 1% of the UK adult population. In most cases the severity of the stammer can be reduced with speech therapy, but there is no cure.
Unless the disorder is caused by another disability, there is no link between speech and language disorders and intellectual ability. Stammering (or stuttering - the terms are interchangeable) may slow speech, but the person thinks at “normal” speed.
A person who has been able to put themselves through a course of Higher Education is likely to be in sufficient control of their symptoms to be able to perform satisfactorily in the workplace. In fact they are likely to show increased levels of determination and motivation.
Remember to find out as much as you can of the implications of the condition and where the candidate's strengths and weaknesses lie - this will be expected and can help you understand any adjustments you may need to make for that specific individual. Everyone is an individual, so it is important to work with the person to provide suitable solutions for each situation.
You may be able to get financial assistance towards any costs of reasonable adjustments from the Access to Work scheme operated by Jobcentre Plus.
Bookmark with: