Users who have difficulty accessing text (Dyslexia)
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There are a number of reasons why a user may have difficulty accessing text, including conditions such as dyslexia, visual impairment and specific learning difficulties. Since the range of conditions and their effects are 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.
It is extremely important to recognise that:
- There is no single solution for accessibility;
- The optimum ‘reasonable adjustment’ for learning to take place may depend on the nature of the learner, the type of 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 need to have a range of alternative adjustments at their disposal that they can make in discussion with the learner.
There are many ways in which the mainstream use of technology can make access to text much easier. These range from effective use of document structure through to text to speech software, multimedia and mobile alternatives. By making access to text easier for disabled users, many others (for example those with English as a second language) will benefit. It is quoted in the WebAim 2010 Survey that 75% of users with a visual impairment use the headings and styles provided by document structure as their main aid to navigating text.
JISC Techdis resources include:
- Tips for users on exploiting software features to make text easier to access;
- Tips for document creators on making their text more accessible;
- Tools to allow the creation of alternative resources that go beyond text and print;
- Guidance on using mobile devices to support learners;
- Guidance on copyright exemptions;
- Guidance on obtaining alternative formats.
