Users who have difficulty accessing text

There are a number of reasons why a user could have difficulty accessing text including conditions such as dyslexia, visual impairments and specific learning difficulties. Since the range and effects of these conditions is so varied, the range of appropriate and reasonable adjustments is also very diverse. Some learner needs will be fulfilled by very modest adjustments whilst others may pose real challenges.

Among the most important outcomes of the following advice and guidance is the recognition that:

• there is no single solution for accessibility
• the optimum "reasonable adjustment" may depend on the nature of the learner, the nature of the impairment, the nature of the resource, the learning objectives and the context of use
• the most time-consuming and expensive adjustments are not always the most effective
• staff supporting learners often have a range of alternative adjustments they can make in discussion with the learner.

A range of users find it difficult to access text - for example those with poor vision, those with poor hearing, those with English as a second language etc. but one of the biggest groups is those who are dyslexic - see the links below for advice and guidance for:

• Users who are dyslexic
• Users who have difficulty seeing things