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JSP 822 vs Equality Act 2010: what changes for dyslexia when you leave the military
You’re in the right place if you’re leaving the military and need clarity on how your dyslexia rights change.
When you leave the Armed Forces for civilian work, your dyslexia support shifts from policy-based (JSP 822) to legally enforceable rights under the Equality Act 2010.
Leaving service does not mean losing your support — your rights actually become stronger.
That single change is bigger than most people realise. It changes what you’re entitled to, how support is delivered, and who is responsible for making it happen.
How the military approaches dyslexia (JSP 822)
JSP 822 — Specific Learning Differences · View JSP 822 (PDF)
- Dyslexia sits within Specific Learning Differences (SpLD) and wider neurodiversity.
- It’s recognised as a normal variation in how people think and learn.
- Dyslexia is not a bar to recruitment or service, provided required standards are met.
- Support is provided where feasible — but cannot lower training standards or affect operational effectiveness.
- Crucially: the Armed Forces are exempt from parts of the Equality Act 2010 relating to disability discrimination.
For the in-service picture see what support is available and what happens if dyslexia is identified during service.
How civilian employers must operate (Equality Act 2010)
Once you leave the military, dyslexia is recognised as a disability under the Equality Act 2010 where it has a substantial and long-term impact.
Key legal provisions:
- Section 6 — Definition of disability
- Section 20 — Duty to make reasonable adjustments
- Section 21 — Failure to comply is discrimination
- Section 39 — Protection in employment
(Source: Equality Act 2010, legislation.gov.uk)
What "reasonable adjustments" actually means
Civilian employers have a legal duty to reduce disadvantage. EHRC guidance includes:
- Changes to working practices or processes
- Provision of assistive technology
- Adjustments to recruitment or assessment methods
- Alternative formats for information
- Additional time or flexibility
Failure to make reasonable adjustments can constitute unlawful discrimination.
Side-by-side comparison
| Area | Military (JSP 822) | Civilian (Equality Act 2010) |
|---|---|---|
| Legal status | Policy-based | Legally enforceable rights |
| Disability protection | Armed Forces exempt from key provisions | Full legal protection |
| Dyslexia classification | Learning difference (SpLD) | Disability (if criteria met) |
| Recruitment | Allowed if standards met | Must not discriminate |
| Adjustments | Provided where feasible | Legally required if reasonable |
| Standards | Cannot be lowered | Must be maintained, with support |
| Responsibility | Primarily on the individual | Shared, with legal duty on employer |
| Support structure | Internal (advisors, ILPs) | Employer-led, legally required |
| Enforcement | Internal chain of command | Employment law, tribunals |
The mindset shift
In the military:
- You adapt to the system.
- You manage your condition.
- Support depends on structure and leadership.
In civilian life:
- The system must also adapt to you.
- You have the right to ask for adjustments.
- Employers are expected to act.
How smoothly that shift lands varies by employer and sector — but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Veterans’ peer networks, including connections through the Defence Dyslexia Network, can help you work out what to ask for and when.
Reassurance
The transition isn’t about becoming more capable. It’s about moving into a system where you’re legally entitled to the support you need to perform at your best.
Many veterans also find that civilian hiring doesn’t reflect how military experience is assessed — a gap echoed in research on neurodiverse UK veterans, where recruitment processes are often built around neurotypical expectations (Allen et al., 2023).
You don’t need to map every step today — start by talking to people who’ve already made the move.
Still unsure what to do next?
The quickest way to get clarity is to speak to people who’ve been through it.
- → Ask the Community – get real answers from serving and former personnel
- → Join the Network – connect with others and access support
- → Explore Insights – understand what to expect next