Is Dyslexia a Learning Disability?

Is dyslexia a learning disability: what it means

A learning disability affects how a person learns in a specific area, such as reading or maths.

Inclusion Australia describes intellectual disability in What is intellectual disability?, which is a different category from dyslexia.

Does dyslexia count as a disability in Australia?

It can count under the law, but each system uses its own test.

• Disability Discrimination Act 1992: disability includes physical, intellectual, psychiatric, sensory, neurological and learning disability, so dyslexia can be covered (Australian Human Rights Commission).
• Diagnosis not required: the Department of Education says the definition in the Act is broad and does not rely on a formal diagnosis.
• NDIS: you need a permanent impairment that substantially reduces functional capacity, and you will likely need NDIS supports for life; you must also apply between ages 0 and 64 (NDIA).
• Disability Support Pension: this is for a physical, intellectual or psychiatric impairment attracting at least 20 points under the Impairment Tables, expected to persist for at least 2 years, that leaves you unable to work 15 or more hours per week for the next 2 years. The condition must be diagnosed by an appropriately qualified medical practitioner, reasonably treated and stabilised (Department of Social Services).

Even where dyslexia does not lead to NDIS funding, the Disability Discrimination Act may still apply. Whether dyslexia is called a cognitive disability depends on the definition each system uses, so ask your assessor which term they mean.

Print disability and how to apply

Print disability describes a barrier to reading standard print, and dyslexia is one reason someone may have it.

• Ask your school, TAFE, university or library how a print disability application works there.
• Ask what evidence they need for their requirements.
• Keep reports from your GP, psychologist or educational assessor together in one folder.
• Ask about accessible formats such as audio, larger text or screen-reader support.

Related terms

• Cognitive disability: a broader term with its own definitions; see cognitive and learning disability.
• Learning disability: a difficulty in a specific area of learning; read what a learning disability is.
• ADHD: a separate condition; the Australian ADHD Guideline lists specific learning disorders as commonly co-occurring with ADHD (AADPA). See dyslexia and ADHD and is ADHD a disability.
• Autism: a different developmental difference, covered in is autism a disability.
• Epilepsy: a neurological condition, covered in is epilepsy a disability.

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