Case studies 
Adrian
| Age | 31-45 |
| Degree / Position | Archaeology |
| Year | 2 |
| Full-Time / Part-Time | Full-Time |
| Disability | Dyslexia |
| Diagnosis | n/a |
I am a mature archaeology student. I found out that I was dyslexic when I went to University. It is no great shakes, just had some problems with writing essays. I do not write things the wrong way round, just some problems with spelling and slow at reading. So, it is not severe dyslexia. I was not having too many problems with my marks, it was actually through me bringing the problem up and mentioning it that I went to be tested.
I have done several digs through the University, but from a dyslexia point of view had absolutely no problems. There is not much reading or writing to do on excavations, so there is nothing to really hold me back. It is just a case of getting on with it and doing the work. To be honest, looking back over the last couple of years I do not think that I have had to indicate that I was dyslexic when I was going on excavations. My experiences of field work have been pretty positive. When things have not gone as they should, it was not dyslexia orientated. In some respects I am not really that practised at fieldwork yet, but the stuff I did on my last excavation, there was absolutely no problem. I do not see myself as being disabled; it has not affected what I want to do.
I do not want any special provision made for me. But, having said that, if they say, ‘Try looking at it, or doing it, this way’, if that will make it easier for me, then fine. Sometimes just to even out the field of play seems to be the right way to go, so that everyone gets treated fairly.
I do not have too many regrets about doing archaeology. I do worry about the priorities in Universities; it seems that they are more interested in the numbers, bums on seats, rather than teaching and education. I feel there is not enough interaction between the students and the staff, they have not enough time, it is losing the personal touch.
I would like to carry on in archaeology if I can, although I do wonder if my dyslexia will hold me back. I do not know if being labelled ‘disabled’ is going to restrict my job prospects. A bit like the problems pregnant women can have at work. I also worry about my age and perhaps being a bit unfit. But you do not actually know if these things do hold you back.
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