Identifying dyslexic users
It can be difficult to identify users who are dyslexic and this can act as a barrier to planning for them. See What difficulties does it cause?
Look for:
• Persistent fines (dyslexics often read slowly)
• Frequent need help to locate material
Collection management
Having a named staff member responsible for dyslexic or more broadly disability provision will keep needs in mind when planning the collection, library events and publicity.
Separate or integrated collection?
In having a distinct, targeted, concentrated collection, a library service can feel it shows their commitment to serving all sections of the community. This could raise expectations from some of the client group although those who are uncomfortable to identify themselves as dyslexic may be put off. Whereas others feel that a separate collection singles this group out when they often don’t want to bring attention to their condition, and instead items can be signposted as suitable through catalogue entries and clear accessible signage.
Resources for making your library easier for dyslexic users
Stock selection
When selecting books that you want to appeal to those with dyslexia look for:
• Books that use accessible language, free from jargon
• Short paragraphs, particularly if there is a lot of clear space between them
• Clear print that is not too small and paper that is not to white and glaring
• Good illustrations that link to the text
• But these books should not look remedial, particularly fiction
The following types of stock are appropriate and should be considered for dyslexia sufferers.
• Targeted books - Waterstones have produced a guide to books for dyslexic children.
• Books with a higher interest age than reading age e.g. Quick Reads
• Adaptations & abridged novels
• Large print books
• Picture books and graphic novels
• Mixed media packs/multi sensory aids (books with audio narration)
• Audio books – provide a player, so users can hear before selecting
• DVDs
• Information on dyslexia in the library stock
• Information on local dyslexia groups
Facilities that will help a dyslexic user
ICT
• At least one public access computer should have accessible software on it to help dyslexic users. Position in a secluded area if text-to-speech software is involved to reduce noise and headphones are not available. Offer demonstrations of the software provided.
• Accessible OPAC, with dyslexia-friendly fonts, appropriate contrast levels and spell-checkers that suggest misspelt words. For printing, change the font colour from black to grey.
• e-books.
• Assistive technology -accessible computer software:
o voice recognition,
o Text-to-Speech and scanning tools,
o Speech Recognition software
o Magnification programmes – minimizes visual distortion
o Mind mapping programmes – some dyslexics find this way of organising information useful
o Hand-held electronic aids, such as reading pens
Colour – can help dyslexics read text
• Colour overlays for putting over printed material
• Coloured lamps – for tinting reading text
• Coloured backgrounds to text.
• Try using colour coding to differentiate different book collections.
Signage
• for dyslexic readers sans serif typeface, such as Ariel and Comic Sans is easier to read,
• Larger spacing between lines can help,
• Use simple language,
• Use mix-case fonts,
• Include pictograms,
• Use coloured backgrounds to text,
• Try using colour coding on the shelves and book spines to differentiate different book collections,
• Have maps of the layout of the library,
• Put subject names on maps and signs as much as possible as number confusion is common among people with dyslexia,
• Coloured floor lines.
Other
• Increase the book loan time.
• Waive fines
• Simplify the membership form
Copyright
• Dyslexics who sufferer visual stress benefit from having texts converted so they can read with comfort. This permission was given to the visually impaired in the Copyright (Visually Impaired Persons) Act 2002, UK. However, this law contains the anomaly that dyslexic people are not included in this Act despite dyslexia being equally covered by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Work is continuing with interested bodies to get dyslexic people with visual stress included in copyright exemptions.
• It is a good idea to offer coloured paper for dyslexic users to photocopy onto.
Don’t forget to promote all the dyslexia-friendly support you offer.
Staff awareness
• Staff need to be aware of common difficulties so that they can provide help without embarrassing the user. Training in listening and questioning skills should encompass helping those with disabilities.
• Train staff to offer orientation sessions to new users to show them where to find relevant collections.
• Tell people when major changes to your library’s layout have been made by providing maps or new orientation sessions.
• Write down instructions you give e.g. shelfmarks and directions
Examples of good practice
Birmingham Public Libraries web page on dyslexic information is clear, shows the resources they have to aid those with dyslexia and shows that staff are trained to help.
In an academic setting Sheffield University’s library web page offers dyslexic students discrete targeted help and a named person as a contact if they have difficulties with the facilities offered them.