Member Spotlight: ICE Benevolent Fund Partners with British Dyslexia Association to Offer Subsidised Dyslexia Assessments for Members and Families

The ICE Benevolent Fund has partnered with the British Dyslexia Association to offer subsidised dyslexia assessments to ICE members and their families worldwide. Launched on June 3, this service provides diagnoses at a reduced cost, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder opportunities.

We all need a helping hand from time to time. That is why the ICE Benevolent Fund has been supporting members of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and their families since 1864.

The ICE Ben Fund has always been a forward-thinking organisation, aiming to get ahead of the curve with service provision, aiming to prevent need as well as relieve it.

The Ben Fund believe that nobody’s opportunities should be hindered by their circumstances. This is why they have partnered with the British Dyslexia Association to offer subsidised dyslexia assessments to ICE members and their immediate families worldwide. This service launched on 3 June.

Ten percent of the population are believed to be dyslexic. Despite this, dyslexia is still often poorly understood, having significant impacts on education and employment.

In the UK, a dyslexia assessment can only be pursued through private healthcare, costing on average, between £600 and £900 per diagnosis.

ICE members and their families can pursue a diagnosis through the Ben Fund at a subsidised cost of £75. In the case of a low income, the Ben Fund will fully fund the pursuit of a diagnosis.

Why is a diagnosis important?

There are many reasons that a person may wish to have a diagnostic assessment for dyslexia.

A person may wish to apply for a Disabled Students’ Allowance, Exam Access arrangements or reasonable adjustments in the workplace.

Someone living with dyslexia may just wish to have a greater understanding of why they, or their child, are experiencing difficulties and how these can best be supported.

This new provision will be supported by a webinar to coincide with World Dyslexia Awareness Day in October. Anyone can book a free place here or browse the Ben Fund upcoming events listings and archive to find more webinars to support your wellbeing.

The ICE Benevolent Fund believes this will be a high value service, especially to those who are either unable to afford the costs of a private diagnostic assessment in the UK, and those who don’t have access to affordable or readily available healthcare services around the world.