3.3 Resources

Creating Dyslexia friendly resources in your practice

The following information is taken from ‘dyslexia friendly formats’ [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] a leaflet developed by Dyslexia Scotland.

 

Every individual will have different learning needs and styles. Some simple changes to your learning resources can make a big difference to everyone, not just individuals who are dyslexic.

When producing documents and worksheets, it is important to focus on the presentation and layout to ensure that information is easily accessible. The following suggestions may be helpful:

  • Use pastel shades of paper (cream is a good alternative to white). Colour overlays can also be used in this way with white paper.
  • Matt paper reduces ‘glare’.
  • Avoid black text on a white background and light text on a dark background.
  • Use text at font size 12 or above.
  • Use fonts which are clear, rounded and have a space between letters, some examples are provide below. Note the variations which occur – all use the same font size.
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There are also fonts that are similar to a handwritten style, or ones that might be more ‘dyslexia friendly’ such as:

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You can find free or low costs fonts like these in Microsoft Word or online.

Other formatting suggestions:

  • Use 1.5 or double line spacing
  • Use wide margins
  • Use lower case rather than capital letters
  • Use numbers or bullet points rather than continuous prose
  • Avoid the use of background graphics with text over the top
  • Use text boxes or borders for headings or to highlight important text.
  • Avoid underlining and italics which can make words ‘run together’.
  • Use bold text for titles, sub-headings or to draw attention to important information or key vocabulary
  • Colour-code text – for example, information in one colour, questions in another
  • Include flow charts, illustrations and diagrams to break up large sections of text or to demonstrate a particular procedure
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  • Ensure that data, charts and diagrams are logical and easy to follow
  • Sentences and written instructions should be short and simple
  • Keep paragraphs short – dense blocks of text are difficult to read
  • Avoid too much text on the page. Make sure that it isn’t too cluttered
  • Remember to leave plenty of space for people to write their responses

Specific Reading Resources