what's the highest no. of typos anyone has had, and still achieved a pass? I'm guessing a few are OK, but what generally might be considered as reasonable, according to your experiences?

(I'm dyslexic, but my disabled student allowance funding didn't come through in time to arrange a proof-reader before submission - so this is a major worry)

It takes me a very long time to read - over 2 weeks to re-read my thesis - and having just finished doing this, horrifically, I've found over 200 typos (which includes problems with inconsistent capitalisation - this is a difficulty for me, as the 'rules' just don't make sense), so guess I may end up with a fail?

I'm certain I'll have at least seriously tested the patience of my examiners - I was going to go in with a list of typos, but with this amount, waving such a large document around will surely only rub my 'sloppiness' in their face?

Still go in with your list of typos, although I did that and they just said to me "we've noted down in the thesis some typos, we won't go through them now but I'm sure you're aware of them anyway". I don't think it's all that big a deal - after all it's still not the final end product. As long as you show you're aware of them then it shouldn't be a big issue.

And if it makes you feel any better, I have found 2 typos in my finished, bound thesis!

Thanks - as you say, it's not going to be the end product. And before my final binding, I'll hopefully be able to arrange a proof reader

On a slightly different topic, I am at the start of my PhD and like you I am also dyslexic, so its really nice to see someone finish their PhD. Can I ask how you managed all the reading needed? This is the bit that I am finding worrying at the moment and would welcome your advice.

Hi Tester,

Took me a while to get my research & thesis finished, due largely to dyslexia problems (slooow reading / writing, and organisation problems), but I found the support & advice of SpLD & dysability services invaluable, and I was lucky to have a sympathetic sup. who allowed extra time to read / write

SpLD & Disability services may be able to provide you with a laptop with specialist reading software, and possibly a mentor to help you get organised?

(My advice is certainly get help early in getting organised, so that you can accomodate the extra time needed)

In particular, be as systematic as possible with your lit. review - I (unnecessarily) just tried to read everything, and then became overwhelmed, stressed, and my reading slowed down even more. Your sup. and the library specialists (SpLD & subject) may be able to help you out here

Pleny of dyslexics get phds (though maybe not me, as I had a stack of other difficulties too), and there maybe a dyslexia forum through your students union that could provide emotional support during your studies - check out your uni webpage?

There was a thread on the subject of doing a phd with dyslexia a week or so ago, with some interesting experiences (and success stories!), so that may be of use for you? (Don't be too worried about the negatives - everyone has problems now and then, with or without dyslexia - but be canny in who you do disclose to, outside any disability services etc. - it's up to you who is informed. Most people are fine about it, but some have an axe to grind, and will find any excuse to be a git!)

Good luck! (up)

Have you had a look at the Premia site?:

http://www.premia.ac.uk/library.aspx

It might be worth having a look at the bits about the viva. I'm dyslexic but I have a few other neurological problems as well which make the whole PhD process, umm, "interesting"! To give my dept. their dues they are willing to apply the suggestions in Premia re: viva - letting the examiners know before hand that I have a number of disabilities* that will affect my performance in the viva. Because of the short term memory problems that Dyslexia causes I will also be given a copy of the questions the examiners will ask me just before the viva, and be given a bit of time to read and note down my answers. If anyone thinks this is unfair - tough. A viva is a stressful event whatever your health, but imagine trying to answer questions on something you haven't read for six months and you'll some idea of what the experience is like for us.

I'm sorry your DSA didn't get processed in time (don't get me started on my LEA!) but the important thing is that you're on record as declaring your Dyslexia. It means that, legally, if you ask for support/help they have to provide it (as long as it is 'reasonable'). Not to do so would make them in breach of the Disability Discrimination Act.

Oops, a bit soapbox, sorry!

You've already been proactive by noting down your typos, all you need now is to make sure that everyone involved in your viva knows about the Dyslexia - that old playing field needs to be spirit-level flat!


*I know that some people with dyslexia etc don't like to label themselves as being disabled but I find it useful as it stops me from beating myself up about the way I work e.g. when I see that I'm not working as fast as others

That's what happened with me. I put in a formal request for special disability arrangements for my viva, and this was then passed onto the head of the department, and then the convenor of my viva, to make sure examiners were aware. In my case it was necessary because of a mix of physical (e.g. wheelchair access) and cognitive problems (very brain tired and confused after just an hour of talking), all due to progressive neurological disease. And it worked out well, and helped put me onto an even footing.

I can see no issues whatsoever with asking for whatever help you need for the viva. It is extremely stressful at the best of times and dyslexia and other problems are no different to any 'visible' disability. I have mild dyslexia but I do have a condition that can affect my memory, particularly under stress, and my sups know about this and whilst I don't want anything special I hope that when my time comes if I falter it will be taken into account. Its not that you don't know your stuff, its not that you're a sloppy worker or lazy with your typing, its a condition where things are wired slightly differently. My son is quite severly dyspraxic and refuses to acknowledge it although he had the diagnosis at 7 years old. The amount of arguments I have had with teachers is nobody's business - from them moaning about his handwriting and neatness (bit difficult when your fine motor skills are affected) to not putting full effort into PE (again, gross motor skills - it took til he was 9 til he could catch a ball for heaven's sake!) On the basis of the problems I've had with him I think you need to not crumble under a label, but ensure that the playing field is level - it doesn't affect your work, your skill, your ability to be a darned good researcher, but it does affect the time it takes to do things and things like typos (you should see my sup's typing! - he's dyslexic) Its not sloppy, its not that you're rubbish at presentation, and you shouldn't be penalised in any way for it!

*back off soapbox*

thanks for the comments - the internal examiner at least is aware of my situation - including the funding issues - so I hope that I have opportunity to explain the lack of a much-needed proof reader and literacy advice.

thanks for the link to premia - I'll check this out (have not come across this site before)

I just tried to go to the Premia site just now and it's not letting me access it without logging in (?). Hopefully they're doing something to the site and not blocking access. Their pdf about research and disability can be accessed if you google 'premia' and 'disability' and then look at it via 'quick look'.

How annoying!

thanks - managed to get this before the site went down.

Found it quite useful, but can't imagine asking for the questions before the viva (albeit to consider under exam conditions) - I'd feel I was rocking the boat too much (but for those who have the confidence for this, good on you!)


Just had a mock viva, given by an academic friend (who is unfortuanely not in my particular field) - blimey, what a sore throat I now have!
This has been a good reminder to take in some Lockets / drink. (Unfortunately, I don't think I can get away with taking in either whisky & ginger, or ice cream, which are much better at soothing!)

I took in a bottle of water, and glugged from it constantly throughout my viva. No-one minded.

Bottle of water is a must - all that talking will give you a dry mouth and useful to compose yourself when you need to think!

Good idea about using water for composure! (Though I do have visions of coming across as very thirsty, very often!)