Employees with dyslexia have strengths and talents which others may not possess. However accessing the natural abilities of someone with this common learning difference (up to 10% of the total population) requires a conscious, but worthwhile effort.
LIFT's Director of Adult Basic Literacy and Education, Karen Guida, provides a high level overview of some of the everyday challenges, considerations and strategies for success when managing "Dyslexia in the Workplace."
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Dyslexia in the Workplace
1. Dyslexia in the
Workplace
BY KAREN GUIDA
DIRECTOR OF ADULT BASIC LITERACY AND EDUCATION
LITERACY INSTRUCTION FOR TEXAS
2. Signs of Dyslexia
Difficulty with:
Reading single words
Reading smoothly and fluently
Understanding written information
Understanding sounds in words
Knowing how to do math operations
Spelling
3. Learning differences involve us all.
1 out of 10 people probably has dyslexia
1 out of 5 people probably has some sort of
learning difference or related difficulty, such as
Attention Deficit Disorder (difficulty focusing and
being easily distracted)
4. Two things in today’s world that
work against those with dyslexia
The fast pace at which we all move
Communication is driven by written language
5. Various aspects of dyslexia
create challenges for adults in a
work environment.
1. Short Term Memory
2. Organization
3. Perception and Movement
4. Emotions
6. Challenges with Short
Term Memory
Remembering ideas which are read or heard
Not knowing how to follow instructions
Remembering people’s names
Remembering where things are put
Remembering meetings
Following discussions
Changing quickly from one task to another
7. Managing the Challenges
Break numbers and words into chunks
Leave yourself time to read
Look for the main idea in what you read
Ask for instructions in visual form
Ask to have information to be repeated
Use visual cues as reminders
Take frequent breaks
8. Challenges with
Organization
Following tasks in correct sequence
Finishing tasks in an efficient way
Keeping workspace neat
Being able to find papers and files
Being on time for meetings and appointments
Meeting deadlines
9. Managing the Challenges
Color-code everything
Clearly label paper trays and cabinets
Make sure to have written procedures
Work one step at a time
Plan daily, weekly, monthly to-do lists
Leave time at the beginning of the day to review
what will be done that day
Leave time at the end of the day to see what has
not been done and revise to-do list
10. Challenges with Perception
and Movement
Judging distances and space
Following maps
Discriminating between left and right
Movement requiring balance
Handwriting and typing
11. Managing the Challenges
Pre-plan before going to a new place
Turn maps around to the way you are going
Use computer keyboard shortcuts
Keep operating instructions for equipment
Make sure equipment is clearly labeled
Use a card or ruler to keep place on the page
12. Challenges with Emotions
Embarrassment
Lack of self-confidence
Anxiety
Frustration and anger
Depression
13. Managing the Challenges
Realize that you are not alone
Recognize that this is how your brain works
Talk to supervisor at work who can help make schedules less
stressful and procedures more clear
Know what time of day is best for you
Get rest and exercise
Drink water
Eat balanced meals
14. Workers with dyslexia have
strengths and talents which others
do not have.
Usually don’t leave anything to chance
May be very hard-working
Can process non-language information well
Problem-solving ability
May be very verbal and intelligent
Ability to work with others in a team
15. Resources
Aspects of Adult Dyslexia
By Dr. Sylvia Moody
Living with Dyslexia
By Anne Hughes, Mary Ball, Rosie Bissett, Wyn
McCormack