Learning Disability Week: "Don't push and don't complain if someone needs a break."

What is it actually like having a learning disability at work? And what do employers need to consider and be mindful when employing someone with a learning difference or disability? We spoke to our co-founder Adam Goodman...

Adam said: "I've got a bit of dyslexia, a bit of dyspraxia, some autism and ADHD traits. Professionals have never quite labelled me as one thing. I don't fit into a box.

"School was hard. Big classes, lots of noise, too much going on — I'd get overwhelmed. Things like fidget toys and fibre optic lamps really help me focus. They're not a distraction, they allow me to concentrate.

"The environment I work in now at 2econd Chance is much better. No one's breathing down my neck. No constant deadlines stacked on deadlines. I can get things done without being pushed or rushed; productive, not pressured.

"If employers want are hiring someone with a learning disability they need to be

understanding. Don't push, and don't complain if someone needs a break or gets tired.

"Give instructions in a way that works — for me, that's often picture-based rather than a long list of verbal steps.

"Don't pile on too much at once. I can't multitask six things in my head. Give me one task, let me finish it properly, then move to the next. That's not a weakness — it's just how I work best, and I think it produces better results than multitasking anyway.

"Match the task to the person. I've seen what happens when this goes wrong — people are taken on to do one specific job, and later told they have to do everything or they are out. That's not fair, and it's not realistic. Not everyone can do everything, and that's okay. Find the right tasks for the right person and let them do it well.

"Actually train people properly. I've heard of cases where a business takes someone on, but the person mentoring them ends up just doing the work themselves. That helps no one. If you're going to hire someone with a learning disability, commit to it properly.

"The team and the culture make all the difference. Having people who genuinely care, who take an interest, who treat you like part of the team rather than a problem to manage — that's what makes a workplace somewhere I actually want to be.

"I don't consider myself having learning disabilities — more like learning difficulties. We've got a lot to offer. We just need the right environment to show it."

Learning Disability Week 2026