Disclosing a dyslexic identity

Potential difficulties experienced by nursing students diagnosed with dyslexia can be minimised with the introduction of appropriate policies and guidance around reasonable adjustment and support. In order to access all relevant services, however, a student must actively decide to disclose their dyslexic identity to relevant faculty personnel. Disclosure of such personal information is a complex matter and, critically, requires a receptive environment where diversity and disability are embraced in a positive and meaningful way. The act of disclosure for the most part has previously been described in simplistic terms, with the focus being solely on the behaviour itself and not on the individual's own positioning of their dyslexia or the social context associated with the act. There is an onus on all students with dyslexia to self-monitor how this aspect of their identity interacts with their professional duty of care.