How to Support an Employee with Dyslexia
Provide the employee with vocal commands when possible., Use a plain, non-decorative style of writing., Better still, use a dyslexia-specific font., If your only option is to write by hand, then take your time and try not to overdo the calligraphy...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Provide the employee with vocal commands when possible.
The reason dyslexia is sometimes referred to as 'word blindness' is that they can find text-based instructions, be they handwritten or otherwise, difficult to comprehend.
Therefore, the employee may prefer instructions to be given verbally, face-to-face, or by telephone. -
Step 2: Use a plain
If using a PC to provide written communications to a dyslexic, such as by email or a text produced by Microsoft Word, keep things simple.
Avoid writing in BLOCK CAPITALS, italics, and underlining, as these disrupt the shape of words.
Use bold for emphasis instead.
Take care as to the font you use.
Verdana and Tahoma are acceptable, as is any font which uses rounded, evenly-spaced lettering that is distinctive and easy to tell apart.
A simple test is by checking how the word 'ill' appears if you use a capital 'I'
- if it looks like the number between 110 and 112, perhaps try a different font! , Some of these, such as Open Dyslexic, are open-sourced and free to download. , As long as you write evenly and remember to dot the i's and cross the t's, your employee should be able to understand your writing.
The shape of each letter is important to a dyslexic, so ensure a letter with a tail, such as 'g' or 'y' gets its tail! , As well as encountering problems with reading, writing can also cause a dyslexic trouble.
Gel pens, which leave a thicker text than ordinary biro pens, can help, as can pen grips, which allow the employee greater control over their writing.
The traditional black text on white paper style of writing is problematic, as the whiteness can dazzle a dyslexic and overwhelm the text.
Softer tones, such as yellow, pink or light blue, are preferable, so order a supply of paper in these colours.
If white paper must be used, then matte is a better option than gloss.
If using a computer, try to provide some form of tinted screen, or word processor software that gives other background options than white. , This device converts speech into text via a microphone plugged into a PC.
This is particularly useful if the employee is in a role which involves letter-writing. , A dyslexic employee may have difficulties in structuring a task, especially if a number of different tasks are expected of the employee. ,, Keeping your work area tidy seems easy enough to many people, but this can be beyond the reach of a dyslexic employee, for who arranging things in order can be a struggle. , An assistant, in the form an existing employee, can make things easier in a number of ways.
These can range from ensuring a folder of notes is in correct alphabetical order or making sure a fax is sent correctly, to tidying a store cupboard or putting together a pack to be issued to a client. , -
Step 3: non-decorative style of writing.
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Step 4: Better still
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Step 5: use a dyslexia-specific font.
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Step 6: If your only option is to write by hand
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Step 7: then take your time and try not to overdo the calligraphy!
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Step 8: Order specialist stationery supplies.
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Step 9: Given the dyslectic's preference for verbal communication
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Step 10: consider investing in Dragon speech recognition technology.
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Step 11: Helping the dyslexic to do their job.
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Step 12: Put together flowcharts
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Step 13: worksheets or checklists using Microsoft Office to help the employee to process the task in the right order without forgetting any important steps.
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Step 14: Allow the employee an occasional assistant.
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Step 15: Find your employee a 'battle buddy'.
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Step 16: Remember
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Step 17: anything that requires an arrangement in a strict order
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Step 18: such as the alphabet
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Step 19: may pose a problem to an otherwise competent member of staff
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Step 20: so just a few hours' help from an assistant now and then can make all the difference.
Detailed Guide
The reason dyslexia is sometimes referred to as 'word blindness' is that they can find text-based instructions, be they handwritten or otherwise, difficult to comprehend.
Therefore, the employee may prefer instructions to be given verbally, face-to-face, or by telephone.
If using a PC to provide written communications to a dyslexic, such as by email or a text produced by Microsoft Word, keep things simple.
Avoid writing in BLOCK CAPITALS, italics, and underlining, as these disrupt the shape of words.
Use bold for emphasis instead.
Take care as to the font you use.
Verdana and Tahoma are acceptable, as is any font which uses rounded, evenly-spaced lettering that is distinctive and easy to tell apart.
A simple test is by checking how the word 'ill' appears if you use a capital 'I'
- if it looks like the number between 110 and 112, perhaps try a different font! , Some of these, such as Open Dyslexic, are open-sourced and free to download. , As long as you write evenly and remember to dot the i's and cross the t's, your employee should be able to understand your writing.
The shape of each letter is important to a dyslexic, so ensure a letter with a tail, such as 'g' or 'y' gets its tail! , As well as encountering problems with reading, writing can also cause a dyslexic trouble.
Gel pens, which leave a thicker text than ordinary biro pens, can help, as can pen grips, which allow the employee greater control over their writing.
The traditional black text on white paper style of writing is problematic, as the whiteness can dazzle a dyslexic and overwhelm the text.
Softer tones, such as yellow, pink or light blue, are preferable, so order a supply of paper in these colours.
If white paper must be used, then matte is a better option than gloss.
If using a computer, try to provide some form of tinted screen, or word processor software that gives other background options than white. , This device converts speech into text via a microphone plugged into a PC.
This is particularly useful if the employee is in a role which involves letter-writing. , A dyslexic employee may have difficulties in structuring a task, especially if a number of different tasks are expected of the employee. ,, Keeping your work area tidy seems easy enough to many people, but this can be beyond the reach of a dyslexic employee, for who arranging things in order can be a struggle. , An assistant, in the form an existing employee, can make things easier in a number of ways.
These can range from ensuring a folder of notes is in correct alphabetical order or making sure a fax is sent correctly, to tidying a store cupboard or putting together a pack to be issued to a client. ,
About the Author
Thomas Ramirez
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