Dyslexia is a type of reading disorder in which the region of the brain responsible for decoding letters and numbers causes those symbols to become jumbled. This can make reading and writing a challenge for those living with the disorder. While the dyslexia affects the ability to learn through visual processes, such as reading a textbook or taking notes on paper, with a few accommodations, there is no reason that a student or worker with the disorder cannot learn just as much and as easily as one without dyslexia.
Combining visual and auditory teaching techniques is one type of dyslexia accommodations that can actually also help other students. Most students are broken down into two categories: those that learn by seeing, and those that learn by hearing. Visual learners do well with written instructions, while auditory learners need to hear the directions out loud. Using both methods in classroom instruction allows students to learn in the way that best meets their needs.
Note taking is a significant part of learning in the higher grades, but students with dyslexia may not be able to keep up with the rapid pace of many instructors. This can lead to lower test scores because the student is unable to study the notes later. Dyslexia accommodations for note taking include allowing students to record class sessions or providing them with audio books in lieu of written textbooks.
Composition papers are another area in which dyslexia accommodations should be provided. Alternatives to a traditional paper should be given when possible. For example, rather than writing a ten-page paper on a subject, students may do a video presentation or give a speech. When alternatives are not available, students should be graded on the content of their papers rather than the spelling of the words or the grammatical mechanics.
Those in the workforce may also need dyslexia accommodations to perform their duties properly. Word processing programs that allow conversion of speech to text may be beneficial to those who spend time writing memos or other important papers in their jobs. Recording meetings and pertinent notes is another way to ensure that workers do not miss anything important. For those who have difficulty staying organized, a large desk calendar or an email notification system can help them keep track of appointments and other significant dates.
The most important thing to remember when coping with dyslexia is that the disorder does not affect general intelligence. A person with the disorder is just as capable as someone without; they just need to rely on different learning methods. Most dyslexia accommodations are easy to implement in a school or work environment, yet offer enormous benefits to those coping with the disorder.
