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Dyscalculia is a learning difference that makes working with numbers, sequences, and time much harder. It’s not about intelligence—it’s simply how some brains process numerical information. If you find numbers confusing or stressful at work, you’re not alone. Many people do, and there are simple, practical ways employers can help.

Under the Equality Act 2010, workplaces must make reasonable adjustments for disabled staff, including those with dyscalculia. These changes don’t have to be expensive or complicated. Often, it’s the small things that make the biggest difference.

Supermarket Jobs: Practical Adjustments

• Till Work: Using a calculator or a digital till that works out change for you. No need to do mental maths under pressure.

• Stock Counting: Tally sheets with pictures or colour codes, so you can tick off items instead of writing numbers.

• Pricing: Pre-printed price labels or stickers, so you don’t have to write prices by hand.

• Shift Rotas: Rotas shown as both a written list and a visual calendar, making it easier to see when you’re working.

Office Roles: Everyday Solutions

• Expenses and Invoices: Templates that do the sums automatically, so you only fill in the basics.

• Meetings: Recording meetings so you don’t have to write down numbers quickly or remember them later.

• Deadlines: Visual timelines and reminders, not just written dates, to help keep track of tasks.

• Training: One-to-one support for tasks involving numbers, with time to ask questions and practise.

Customer-Facing Work: Supportive Adjustments

• Discounts and Offers: Simple charts or apps showing final prices after discounts, so you don’t have to calculate on the spot.

• Loyalty Points: Reference sheets for common customer questions about points or rewards.

• Cash Handling: Double-checking your till with a buddy at the end of a shift, rather than doing it alone.

• Directions and Timetables: Maps with landmarks and pictures, not just numbers, for giving directions or explaining schedules.

Tips That Work Everywhere:

• Step-by-Step Written Instructions:
  Imagine you’re learning a new process, like setting up a display or completing a monthly report. Instead of a long paragraph, you’re given a checklist with each step clearly numbered and a small picture or icon next to each one. This way, you can tick off each part as you go, and you don’t have to worry about missing a step or getting lost in a wall of text.

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• Visual Aids and Reminders:
  For tasks with deadlines, a wall calendar with coloured stickers for each project can help you see at a glance what’s due soon. Some people use digital reminders on their phone or computer, set to go off a day or two before something is due. This takes the pressure off having to remember dates in your head.

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• Buddy System for Number Tasks:
  If you’re asked to do something involving numbers—like checking stock, counting cash, or entering data—having a trusted colleague to check your work with you can make a world of difference. For example, you might count the till together at the end of the day, or review a spreadsheet side-by-side before it’s sent off. This isn’t about double-checking because you’re not capable; it’s about working together to reduce stress and avoid mistakes.

  
  

• Alternative Ways to Show Your Skills:
  If a job application or training course asks for a maths test, ask if you can show your skills in another way. For example, you might do a practical task, like organising a shelf or explaining how you’d help a customer, instead of sitting a timed test. Employers are encouraged to be flexible and focus on what you can do, not just how quickly you can do sums.

  
  

• Making Numbers Easier to Handle:
  If you need to read out numbers (like phone numbers or order codes), write them in large print with spaces between each group. Use a highlighter to mark important digits, or keep a notepad handy so you can jot things down as you go. If you’re filling in forms, ask if you can use a template that already has the numbers in the right places, so you’re less likely to make a mistake.

  
  

• Open Conversations and Ongoing Support:
  The most important adjustment is a supportive attitude. If you’re struggling, it’s okay to say so. A good manager will listen and work with you to find solutions. For example, if you find a particular task overwhelming, you might agree to swap it with another colleague, or break it into smaller parts and tackle it over a few days instead of all at once.

Final Thought

Everyone has strengths and challenges. By making small, thoughtful changes, work can be less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone. If you need help, speak up—reasonable adjustments are your right, and they can make a real difference.