I’m a company director, a poet, an author, and an educator with over 20 years of experience, but for most of my life, I didn’t realise I was dyslexic. Despite the challenges, dyslexia never held me back from achieving my goals. I’ve worked in management positions at colleges, served as head of education for a council, and attained a number of degrees. Ironically, I even conducted dyslexia assessments for others as part of one of my roles. It wasn’t until I was being evaluated on my assessment skills that a psychologist noticed traits consistent with dyslexia in me at the ripe old age of forty.
This realisation reframed so many experiences, from struggling to navigate maps to finding order amidst directions and information. Now, I want to share some practices to help others make their spaces and communications more accessible to people with dyslexia. Here’s a deeper look at practical steps for making information, conversations, and tasks easier for those of us who may process information differently.
Clear and Structured Information
Organising information can make all the difference for someone with dyslexia. Here are some tips to consider:
- Use Short Paragraphs and Bullet Points: Breaking text into small, digestible pieces aids in reading and comprehension. Short sentences and well-spaced text make the material less overwhelming.
- Headers and Subheadings: Organised headings allow readers to scan quickly for the sections they need, making information easier to navigate.
- Avoid Dense Text: Large blocks of text can feel intimidating. Adding extra spacing between lines and paragraphs makes it easier to follow.
Accessible Fonts and Colours
The right visual setup can transform a reading experience:
- Font Choice: Sans-serif fonts like Arial, Verdana, and Comic Sans have simple lines, making them easier to read.
- Size and Spacing: Larger font sizes (typically 12–14pt or above) and slightly increased letter-spacing help in recognising individual characters.
- Background Colours: Soft coloured backgrounds, such as light yellow or blue, are easier on the eyes than harsh white backgrounds. Customisable colour settings are especially helpful.
- Avoid Red/Green Combinations: Red and green can be difficult for those with dyslexia and colour blindness. opt for high-contrast combinations that don’t clash.
Avoiding Rushed Conversations
For people with dyslexia, processing information on the spot can be challenging. Here’s how to create a more inclusive dialogue:
- Pace the Conversation: Slowing down allows more time to process information. Summarising main points in meetings can aid retention.
- Time for Questions and Clarification: Ensuring there’s time for clarification helps prevent misunderstandings. Meeting notes prepared in advance or summarised afterward provide a reference.
- Written Summaries: A brief written recap of key points after meetings allows for reflection and ensures that critical details aren’t missed.
Tools and Technology
Many tools can support dyslexic individuals in processing information:
- Text-to-Speech Software: Tools like NaturalReader, Voice Dream Reader, and device accessibility settings can read text aloud, which aids in comprehension.
- Speech-to-Text Software: Dictation software like Dragon NaturallySpeaking or Google Docs voice typing can convert spoken words into text, helping with note-taking.
- Note-Taking Apps with Audio: Apps like Otter.ai or Notability allow you to record conversations and take notes simultaneously, enabling thorough review later.
Chunking Information
Breaking down tasks and information into smaller, manageable pieces helps with tracking progress:
- Step-by-Step Instructions: Dividing tasks into clear steps or sections creates natural pauses and aids in progress tracking.
- Summary Sections: Recapping important points at the end of sections reinforces information and provides a quick way to review key ideas.
- Checklists: Visual checklists make it easy to track completed tasks and those remaining.
Highlighting Key Points
Dyslexia-friendly communication benefits from clear emphasis on key information:
- Bold or Italics for Emphasis: Highlighting important text helps readers focus quickly on the main points.
- Bullet Points for Key Ideas: Bullet points are often easier to read than inline sentences.
- Colour Coding: Using colours to categorise ideas or tasks aids in organisation, as long as the colours avoid challenging combinations.
Additional Resources for Dyslexia-Friendly Tools
If you’re looking to implement more dyslexia-friendly practices, here are some tools to explore:
- Microsoft Office Accessibility: Microsoft Word offers settings for customising fonts, background colours, and spacing. The Immersive Reader tool provides dyslexia-friendly options.
- Browser Extensions: “BeeLine Reader” adds a gradient to text, guiding the eyes along each line, while “OpenDyslexic” changes website fonts to dyslexia-friendly versions. HelperBird browser extension offers powerful tools designed to make the web more accessible.
- Dedicated Apps: Apps like Ghotit Real Writer provide advanced spelling and grammar checks in a dyslexia-friendly interface.
Conclusion
Dyslexia may shape how we access information, but small adjustments in format, pacing, and technology can open up accessibility for everyone. Whether it’s how we present written materials or engage in conversations, adopting dyslexia-friendly practices creates a more inclusive environment. Implementing these strategies ensures that no one is left behind due to barriers that are relatively simple to remove.
If you’d like help exploring specific tools or practices, feel free to reach out. Creating a truly accessible environment is within everyone’s reach and makes a significant difference for those navigating the world with dyslexia.