David is a great asset to his company, reliable and hard working. "How would you like a promotion?" they ask. But David is worried. "I'm not sure I could cope with the extra paperwork," he said.

David is one of the many who suffer from dyslexia. Do you know someone who has problems with reading and writing? Do they get lost easily because they turn left instead of right, and are not very good at remembering lists?

Yet they are bright, with a good vocabulary. The symptoms of dyslexia are not related to intelligence. Most people with dyslexia can, in fact, read and write, but often have problems with spelling.

This week is Dyslexia Awareness Week and the theme is Adults in the Workplace. The Oxfordshire Dyslexia Association (ODA) has been helping dyslexic people for the past 36 years. They provide help and support for people, such as: a subsidised screening service professional advice Touch-type read and spell classes Advice on dyslexia-friendly computer software Informative meetings and friendly support groups Telephone helplines Advice to employers and organisations.

The adults' screening test takes about an hour. Results may show a likelihood of dyslexia, which may be difficult to come to terms with. But support and advice is given on the next step to take, which can be the first towards building a new future, improving reading and writing, and also computer skills.

Computer workshops have software that reads your documents out loud and types as you speak into the computer. Other software helps you organise ideas for writing reports or essays. Dyslexic people are entitled to support in the workplace and college, too. Disabled Students' Allowances provide extra financial help if you have a specific learning difficulty. These are paid on top of the standard student finance package and don't have to be repaid.

If you have dyslexia, you must provide evidence in the form of a diagnostic assessment. If you have had an assessment in the past, it may need to be updated, but you could get help with the cost through the Access to Learning Fund.

Employers have an legal obligation to make adjustments for dyslexia during a job application. Because an applicant may find an interview difficult, does not mean they cannot do the job.

David had a forward-thinking employer who gave him the extra support and training he needed - and yes, he did get that promotion.

The Oxfordshire Dyslexia Association would love to hear from you if you would like to volunteer for the charity, and especially need someone to organise meetings in the north of the county. No special skills are needed. Contact Oxfordshire Dyslexia Association at Oxford Community School, Glanville Road, Oxford, OX4 2AU. Call 0797 2143495, email oxford.dyslexia@googlemail.com or visit the www.oxdys.org.uk website.