A Leitrim support worker believes Dyslexic students should be given more time to complete their state exams.
Despite accommodations during class time, those with a diagnoses are not given any additional time during the Junior or Leaving Certificate.
The Dyslexia Association says it puts them at a 'distinct disadvantage' and an online petition with over 10,000 signatures has been set up calling for change.
Anne Bohan from Dyslexia Assist in Drumshanbo says since the mock exams in February time pressures has added greatly to the stress of dyslexic students.
''They process information slower, so even though they can read a piece they may not take it in and would have to read it maybe 2-3 time but in our system there's no extra time and for the Leaving Cert most of my students are not getting the exam finished and we found this particularly during the mocks. They're just so stressed. Covid hasn't helped, these kids were at home trying to learn with dyslexia and now they've an exam system that's giving them no accommodation.''
Listen below to the full interview with Anne and Leaving Certificate student at Elphin Community College Emma McManus.
