Dyslexia Resources
The following links provide more information on dyslexia, including screening and recommended tools for studying if you have dyslexia.
Useful links
- British Dyslexia Association (BDA) has the following useful documents:
- The Upside of Dyslexia, an article from Neurodivergent insights on the different types of dyslexia.
- The History of Dyslexia is an article from Oxford University
- Made by Dyslexia is a community of dyslexic people and their allies
Links to dyslexia tools and apps for study
- Immersive Reader in Word - lets you hear text read out loud, change the background colour and apply a reading ruler.
- Dictation in Microsoft lets you use speech-to-text in Word, PowerPoint and Outlook.
- Microsoft Editor can check your spelling, punctuation, grammar and more.
- Natural Reader Online is a text-to-speech programme where you can paste text or drag and drop files (including pdfs) to hear them read out loud. It has a good free version.
- Ayoa mind mapping is an online mind mapping software; there’s a free version.
- Crossbow Education is an online shop with resources for dyslexia including coloured overlays.
- Otter.ai records and transcribes speech which is very useful for meeting notes. The free version allows you to record for up to 30 minutes.
- Grammarly can check spelling, punctuation and grammar.
- myNoise has a huge range of customisable, immersive soundscapes online to enhance focus, relaxation and sleep.
Strategies for dyslexia
Reduce how much you have to read by using:
- Audio books are available on platforms like Audible, Spotify (with 15 hours a month for Spotify Premium), Librivox (free) and BorrowBox (free with a Cornwall Library Membership).
- BOB - Box of Broadcasts is an on-demand TV and radio service for education.
- YouTube videos and talks like TEDx Talks.
- Podcasts.
If you have a print disability (meaning you are unable to read printed material due to a perceptual, physical or visual disability) you can download different formats for free via RNIB Bookshare. Email inclusive@fxplus.ac.uk to access this.
Using more than one sense at a time known as multisensory learning will help you understand and remember information more effectively. For example, you could try:
- Visual techniques like mind maps, diagrams, symbols, sketching, colour coding, visual associations etc.
- Auditory techniques like text-to-speech, dictation, repetition or summarising information to yourself, discussing it with someone else, listening to talks, audiobooks or listening back to lectures.
- Kinaesthetic learning linking the process of learning to physical activity. Try using Post-it notes or cards to structure ideas, learn to touch type, learn by doing, rehearse, walk around your room linking ideas to locations, fidget, create flashcards etc.
- Work backwards from deadlines setting mini-deadlines to stay on track.
- Try the Pomodoro method of working in 25-minute bursts with 5-minute breaks to maximise productivity or use Pomodoro apps
- Try the SQ3R strategy (Survey, Question, Read, Recall and Review) to improve reading comprehension.
- Prioritise reading and tasks (don't try to do everything). Use an Eisenhower Matrix.
- Set up your workspace so that what you need is close to hand (and things which distract you are somewhere else).
- Use planners, diaries, reminders and checklists to organise your life and studies (and remember to check them).
- Set up helpful routines and habits. (See this '6 Habits of Highly Organised People' YouTube video.)
- Get the tools you need, such as coloured overlays and reading rulers. Visit the Crossbow store or download the Visor Chrome extension.
Screening tools and checklists
- The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) has an Am I dyslexic? list and an Adult Checklist with scoring.
- The International Dyslexia Association has an Adult Reading History Questionnaire.
Get in touch with the Inclusive Learning team at inclusive@fxplus.ac.uk for an informal chat if you’d like to know more about screening, they can signpost you to support and guidance.
