DYSLEXIA

Dyslexia is no big issue!

What is dyslexia?

Ask non-dyslexics and they will probably tell you it is a problem with reading and spelling. Ask a group of dyslexics the same question and you will probably get a different, although related, answer from each person. This is because the condition manifests itself differently for each individual.

Certainly for some dyslexics it is an inability to read or write at a level appropriate for their age and background. For others it manifests itself as an inability with regard to comprehension, that is, the person can read the words themselves but cannot understand what they actually mean. For some, the background colour on which the words are printed may affect their ability to read and for others their ability to plan and coordinate basic tasks is severely impaired.

As always, statistics vary. Around 4% of the population are severely dyslexic, with a further 6% having mild to moderate problems. Dyslexia is a combination of abilities and difficulties that affects the processing of information. Dyslexic people often think in pictures, consequently, a dyslexic individual may have experienced difficulties in acquiring skills in reading, writing, spelling and numeracy. They can develop strategies and alternative learning methods to overcome most of these and other difficulties.

Many dyslexic adults were not identified at school and did not get the support they required. As a result, some may not be aware of their dyslexia but are well aware of their difficulties. A job or organisational change may bring this to light. For example, someone who has had access to secretarial support that is then withdrawn, might find that they cannot now cope. Another example might be if a dyslexic individual were promoted, but along with that promotion comes a requirement for more paperwork which that individual finds difficulty in managing.

Employers should be aware that severe dyslexia fits the definition of disability used within the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and is used as an example in several sections of the Code of Practice. It is unlawful under the DDA to treat a disabled applicant or employee less favourably because of their disability.
Dyslexic people may require some adjustments in the working place that can be simple and inexpensive. Without these adjustments good candidates might not apply and excellent employees may be under-used or even lost. Moreover, it is often found that the well-honed alternative strategies that dyslexic people often develop can add a new dimension to many jobs.
Computers are the 'great leveller' and can often provide solutions to help dyslexic users overcome the more apparent difficulties they may experience in the workplace. There are a range of computer products and facilities to help dyslexic individuals:

Colour Schemes

Something as simple as changing the colour scheme or background tint may help some individuals. This can be done within Windows from the Display icon within the Control Panel. Alternatively a software product such as ReadAble could make this task easier or ClaroView.

Spell Checker

The basic spell checker built into most word processors is a boon for all users. But for dyslexia sufferers it takes on an added importance. The 'red wavy line' in Word and AutoCorrect features can be a real lifesaver.

Voice Recognition

Voice recognition has developed considerable over the last few years, making it a viable option for many users. Programs such as Dragon Naturally Speaking converts the spoken word to text within the main office programs such as Word. It is used as an office efficiency tool as well as by many people with mobility, visual or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Handwriting Recognition

A newer technology than voice recognition but there are now devices designed to recognise ordinary handwriting and convert it into text on the PC. A real boon for students and people who spend a lot of time at meetings.

Predictive Word Processing

Guessing what word you are trying to type (and reading it out aloud) can be useful for many people. There are a range of programs which can guess what you are trying to type based on the characters you have already typed. So 'th' might suggest 'this', 'thing', 'that' etc., reducing the amount of typing necessary and preventing typing mistakes. Programs such as ProtoType and Penfriend are excellent for this.

Scanner/Readers

For the more seriously dyslexic individual, screen readers can be invaluable in helping to identify mistakes. Using these products the text on the screen is read out aloud.
For those for whom reading a letter or book in not possible, a scanner/reader can do the work for you. either as part of your computer system via a scanner and a software program such as ClaroRead Plus or Kurzweil 1000, or now there are stand alone products which have been designed specifically for this task such as CleaReader. Don't forget the headphones if you are working in an office environment!

Multi-Feature Programs

There are quite a few programs now which combine many of the features mentioned above; they scan, readback, offer predictive word processing and analyse spelling and grammar. Such programs as textHELP's Read and Write or ClaroRead are well worth looking at.

Mind Mapping

Planning tasks such as projects and essays can be greatly assisted by programs such as Inspiration, MindManager or MindGenius.

Say it with Pictures

'A picture speaks a thousand words' they tell us. So especially for children, Clicker 5 could not only make writing more accessible but also more fun. For adults Communicate:SymWriter (the successor of Widgit's Writing with Symbols) is very popular.

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RELEVANT PRODUCTS

Multi-Featured Word Processing Enhancement Programs
ClaroRead Standard
textHELP Read & Write Standard

Simplified Word Processors
AllWrite

Word Processors with Predictive Text
ProtoType 3
Penfriend XP

Word Processors with Symbols
Clicker 5 Communicate: In Print
Communicate: SymWriter

Screen Colour Modifying Programs
Claro ScreenRuler Suite

Voice Recognition
Dragon Naturally Speaking Professional
Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred

Handwriting Recognition Devices
Digimemo A402 and MyScript Notes Handwriting Recognition Software

Scanner-Readers
Kurzweil 1000
ClearReader+
ClaroRead Plus

Mind Mapping Programs
Inspiration (for adults)
Kidspiration (for children)
Claro Mindfull
Spark Professional