dyslexia in the workplace vra webinar
TRANSCRIPT
Dyslexia in the workplace VRA Webinar
22nd April 2021, 12-1pm
Caoimhe O’ Malley, [email protected]
Brendan McGuigan, [email protected]
When I say Dyslexia what is the first thing that pops into your mind?
• Type in the chat box.
• No right or wrong answer!
Dyslexia Association of Ireland’s Vision
Our vision is a dyslexia friendly society where all people with dyslexia are enabled to fulfill their potential, where every child and adult with dyslexia has access to appropriate identification and support to achieve their full potential in education, training, employment and all aspects of life.
Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is included in disability legislation
Under Section 16 of the Equalities Act
Embedded in the Disability Act
An employer has an obligation to make all reasonable adjustments or accommodations possible in supporting the individual with dyslexia to carry out their role.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a different way of thinking, the dyslexic brain is wired differently which means dyslexic individuals are very good at certain things but have real challenges at more traditional education and learning.
The dyslexic brain processes information differently, and manifests itself in reading, writing and spelling challenges, which can create difficulties but also amazing opportunities and abilities.
Definition of Dyslexia
The term dyslexia comes from two Greek words
“dys” – which means difficulty/pain/trouble
“lexia” – which means language or words
Difficulty with language
Auditory Processing
Reading
Written expression and spelling
Speech
Facts of dyslexia
It is persistent and lifelong and affects people at all ages, in all countries and all languages.
It is a specific learning difficulty (i.e. not general).
It is not related to intelligence but often is spotted more easily where other strengths are very apparent.
It can be unexpected - given other skills/functioning or performance of peers.
Main areas affected are expressive and receptive written language
Facts of dyslexia continued…
It can impact on college, work and even social life on occasion.
There is a genetic link and it runs in families.
Dyslexia is a ‘difference’, not a disease or a defect.
Complex
M>F 3:2
It affects anything from 5-15 per cent of people. Usually 10% used.
Self-esteem
Dyslexia
• This occurs despite access to appropriate learning opportunities.
• Dyslexia is characterised by cognitive difficulties in
phonological processing,
working memory,
speed of retrieval of information from long term memory.
Common Co-occurring Difficulties
Short-term/working memory (Poor recall)
Attention difficulties
Sequencing (e.g. confuses letter sequences)
Directional skills
Perception/sight difficulties
Judging/telling time
Spoken language/speech development
Motor skills/coordination/handwriting (e.g. taking notes)
Difficulty planning, sequencing & organising written text.
Time management & organisational skills
Self-confidence (has a poor self-image)
Strengths
Ability to see the big picture
Good problem solvers
Outside the box thinkers
Creative – in the way they can come up with solutions and ideas and with their imagination, writing, expression
Inventers
Exceptional in the right niche
Entrepreneurs
Three dimensional thinkers
Empathic
Strong verbal skills
Strong people skills
Hard working
Determined
Resilience
Effective use of coping strategies
Associated Challenges with…
• Answering the phone, writing emails and multi-tasking?
• Writing reports to a deadline
• Presentations and Question and Answer sessions
• Taking minutes and/ or notes from meetings
• Following Processes and recording data
In the Workplace…
• Policy Level – Explore mission statements and policies
• Communications – style guide
• Verbalising and Instructions – clear, structured
• Time and Work Planning – allow time, encourage planning
• Workplace Culture – attitudes and atmosphere
• Organisation – encourage development of strategies
• Written Work – support, technology
• Reading – support, technology
• Recruitment – Ensure process is inclusive
Good Practice / Reasonable Adjustment
1. Communications – different formats
2. Peer Support Group
3. Assistive Technology
4. Mentor
5. Extra Time
6. Buddy Scheme – someone to double check
7. Own designated work area – not hot desking
8. Extra Preparation/ information give before events
9. Support worker
10. Regular Evaluation Meetings
Indicators of dyslexia in adults
Adult Dyslexia | Dyslexia Ireland
Remember…
No one will have all the indicators.
Many individuals will have several of the indicators.
Some indicators are more common than others.
The number of indicators observed in an individual does not indicate whether the dyslexia is mild, moderate or severe.
Assistive Technology
● Choosing Technology
● Technology to Assist Organisation
● Technology to Assist Reading
● Technology to Assist Writing and Notetaking
Resources detailed dependant on current IT Setup (i.e. Google Workspace / Microsoft Office 365)
Technologies mentioned are suggestions / examples not endorsements
Prices are correct at time of delivery
“For most people, technology makes things easier.
For persons with disabilities, technology makes things possible...”
- Mary Pat Radabaugh, Director of IBM National Support Center for Persons with
Disabilities. Pg.2 IBM Training Manual 1991
Choosing the Right Technology
● Awareness of technologies available (alternativeto.net)
● Fit technology to individual (no “one size fits all”)
● Communication is key, i.e. not “fighting the technology”
● Free vs Paid
● Trials Available
● Cross platform support / portability across devices
● Learning curve
● Adjustments to current workflow
● System Requirements
● Nothing wrong with “low tech” (pen and paper)
Technology for Organisation
● Online Calendar
● Online Checklist / Tasklist
● Mind Maps for visual thought processes
● Keep on top of Emails with filters
Calendar (Google / Office)
● Part of Office / Google Suite
● Share calendars to view
free/busy times
● Promote collaboration
● Reminders for meetings and
deadlines
● Push notifications to mobile
Tasks App (Google Keep / MS ToDo)
● keep.google.com
● todo.microsoft.com
● Share and collaborate with colleagues
● Create;
○ Checklists
○ Voice, Image, Text Notes
○ Reminders (timed, location)
Mind Map Software
● Visual link to information
● Supports non-linear thinking
● Use Colour and Images as triggers
● Export to Word and PowerPoint
○ Coggle.it (web-based, freemium)
○ Inspiration v10 (pictured) €93.
Windows only
Screenshot of Inspiration 10 for Windows
Organisation: Filtering Emails
● Two Step Process;
○ Filter incoming emails
○ Automatically assign actions
● Create rules/folders for teams
Technology to Assist Reading
● Text to Speech
● Increase speed and accuracy
● Increase comprehension time
● Convert text to mp3 to change scenery
● Unlocked documentation - supports individualised learning
Microsoft Edge:
Immersive Reader
● Free browser from Microsoft
● microsoft.com/en-us/edge
● Click icon ( ) on Address Bar
● Click Read Aloud
● Change layout of text
○ Size
○ Spacing
○ Break words into syllables
Microsoft Edge:
Read Aloud
● Select Text
● Right Click
● Choose “Read Aloud”
● Works with PDF Documents
C-Pen Reader Secure
● Text to Speech Handheld Scanner
● Built-in dictionary
● Scan directly to PC/Mac text editor
● No scanned text stored
● cpen.com/product/rpsecure/
Texthelp Read and Write for Workplace
● Hear web pages, emails and documents read aloud with a choice of natural voices
● Convert documents and web pages into MP3 files for easy listening on the move
● Understand unfamiliar words with text and picture dictionaries: great for staff whose first language
isn’t English
● Reduce errors with intuitive word prediction and a grammar, spelling and confusable words
checker
● Summarise lengthy reports in minutes with colourful collectable highlighters
● Accessibility features like screen tint help with dyslexia and visual stress
● 30 Day Trial available at: www.texthelp.com/products/read-and-write-workplace/
Screenshot of Read&Write in Windows 10 reading from Word 2016
Technology to Assist Writing
● Grammar Checker plug-ins
● Speech to Text / Dictation Software
● Supports verbal expression (“I know how to say it…”)
● No spelling mistakes
● Faster than touch typing
● Not 100% accurate - (Patience is needed!)
○ Accent
○ Background noise
○ Microphone quality
Grammarly
● Detects; Spelling, punctuation, other common
grammatical errors
● Plug in for browser, Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook)
● Subscription;
○ Premium Starting at: €9.73 / month
○ Business Starting at: €10.43 /user / month
Screenshot of Grammarly Edge plug-in in Gmail
Office 365 Dictate
● “Don’t type. Talk.”
● Available for Office 365, Office Online, Android, iOS
● Works with Word, PowerPoint, Outlook
● Supported languages: English (UK, US and Canada),
Chinese, French, German, Italian, Spanish
(International Short and Mexico)
● Consult IT regarding Office 365 license Screenshot of Dictate in Word Online
Nuance Dragon Dictate
● Control whole PC with voice
● Dictate;
○ Documents
○ E-mails
○ Punctuation
● “Read” command
● Dragon Pro Individual v15
500USD (417.25EUR)
*Nuance purchase by Microsoft
LiveScribe Echo Smartpen
● Natural transition for pen and paper note taking
● “Write less, listen more”
● Link handwriting to audio
● Transfer audio and notes to PC/Mac
● OCR converts written to typed text
● Requires specific ink refills and notepads
● ~€200 for starter kit
#TechThursday
● Short videos showcasing technologies
● DAI YouTube Channel
● bit.ly/daitechthur
● Topics include;
○ Dictate in to Word (Online)
○ Immersive Reader in Microsoft Edge
○ Mind Mapping
○ Texthelp Read & Write
