If you have hired a member of staff who has dyslexia, there are a number of ways to make that person both feel comfortable in the workplace and to become a productive employee.
Steps
Part 2
Part 2 of 5:
For Reading Written Instructions
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Use a plain, non-decorative style of writing.
- 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! [1] X Research source
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Better still, use a dyslexia-specific font. Some of these, such as Open Dyslexic, are open-sourced and free to download. [1]
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If your only option is to write by hand, then take your time and try not to overdo the calligraphy! 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!Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 5:
Allowing the dyslexic to write with ease
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Order specialist stationery supplies.
- 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. [2] X Research source
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Given the dyslectic's preference for verbal communication, consider investing in Dragon speech recognition technology. This device converts speech into text via a microphone plugged into a PC. [2] This is particularly useful if the employee is in a role which involves letter-writing. [3] X Research sourceAdvertisement
Part 4
Part 4 of 5:
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Helping the dyslexic to do their job. A dyslexic employee may have difficulties in structuring a task, especially if a number of different tasks are expected of the employee. [4] X Research source
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Put together flowcharts, worksheets or checklists using Microsoft Office to help the employee to process the task in the right order without forgetting any important steps.Advertisement
Part 5
Part 5 of 5:
Keeping Order
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Allow the employee an occasional assistant. 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. [5] X Research source
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Find your employee a 'battle buddy'. 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.
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3Remember, anything that requires an arrangement in a strict order, such as the alphabet, may pose a problem to an otherwise competent member of staff, so just a few hours' help from an assistant now and then can make all the difference.Advertisement
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References
- ↑ https://thediversitymovement.com/5-ways-accommodate-dyslexia-in-workplace/
- ↑ https://www.headstart.io/insights/supporting-dyslexia-at-work/
- ↑ https://abilitynet.org.uk/news-blogs/top-tips-supporting-your-employees-dyslexia
- ↑ https://www.kellyservices.ca/ca/business-services/business-resource-centre/managing-employees/how-to-support-a-dyslexic-employee/
- ↑ https://www.headstart.io/insights/supporting-dyslexia-at-work/
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