Users who are dyslexic

Since the range of difficulties associated with dyslexia are so wide, the range of appropriate and reasonable adjustments is also very wide. Some learner needs will be perfectly satisfied by very modest adjustments whilst others may pose eal challenges.

Users who are dyslexic may have difficulties with:

• Visual processing (including Scotopic sensitivity)
• Phonological decoding, analysis and processing
• Reading and comprehension
• Auditory processing
• Short Term and Working Memory
• Structure and sequencing
• Planning and organisation
• Physical Coordination
• Handwriting
• Numeracy

They may also have strengths in:

• Thinking “outside the box"
• Visual spatial relations
• Intuitive problem solving and lateral thinking
• Being creative in many different ways

Among the most important points to consider when creating or adapting resources for these users are:

• 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.

This guidance has been divided into several sections (as listed below), in each case moving from general points to more specific examples.

• Policy Issues
• Content creation
• Assessment