Work-From-Home Accommodations for Dyslexia

Discover how to make working from home easier for people with dyslexia. Learn about essential accommodations for dyslexia such as assistive technology, work environment adjustments, and effective communication strategies.

I’m dyslexic and never thought I’d be writing for a living. Spelling and reading have been tough for most of my life. Over the years I’ve found accommodations that help make my dyslexia easier to work with and allow me to be a digital content creator for a living. It’s very important when you have a disability that you find accommodations that work for you.

This blog post is useful both for people with dyslexia and those that are working with people with dyslexia. These tips can help make the workplace more accessible for everyone.

What is Dyslexia?

People with dyslexia often struggle to read fluently, spell words correctly, learn a second language, and other challenges depending on the individual. These difficulties are not connected with overall intelligence. Often people with dyslexia are very fast and creative thinkers and many inventors and other famous people have been dyslexic. 

Dyslexia is very common and affects about 20 percent of the population and represents about 80-90 percent of all of those with learning disabilities. Dyslexia can not be cured but with the right accommodations and support people with dyslexia can be very successful. 

The Importance of Accommodations for People with Dyslexia

Accommodations for individuals with dyslexia in a work-from-home setting are crucial for several reasons. Dyslexia can significantly affect an individual’s ability to read, write, and communicate effectively, which can lead to difficulties in completing work tasks, understanding instructions, and expressing themselves clearly.

In a work-from-home setting, these challenges can be compounded by factors such as remote communication and collaboration, increased screen time, and the need for self-motivation and self-direction.

Accommodations such as assistive technology, additional software features, and work environment adjustments can help individuals with dyslexia overcome these challenges and perform at their best.

Additionally, communication accommodations such as providing clear and concise written instructions and allowing for extra processing time can improve understanding and reduce stress. Overall, accommodations for dyslexia in a work-from-home setting can not only improve individual performance but also contribute to a more inclusive and productive workplace culture.

Some of these accommodations are easy to make for yourself and others you may need to ask your employer to provide. 

Common Work-From-Home Accommodations for Dyslexia

Every person with dyslexia is different and will need different accommodations but if you are unsure what could be helpful for you there are many accommodations that are often used that may help you, these are some of those accommodations. 

Assistive Technology

There are many kinds of assistive technology you may find useful but two of the most common options are text-to-speech software and speech-to-text software. Thankfully speech-to-text software is now built into a lot of our devices.

For text-to-speech, these are some current options that are available. 

1. NaturalReader: NaturalReader is a free and paid software that converts any written text, such as Word documents, webpages, PDFs, and eBooks, into spoken words. It offers a range of voices and languages and allows users to adjust the speed, pitch, and volume of the speech.
2. Voice Dream Reader: Voice Dream Reader is a popular text-to-speech software designed for individuals with dyslexia, visual impairments, and other learning difficulties. It offers high-quality voices and supports a range of file formats, including eBooks, PDFs, and webpages.
3. Read Aloud: This is a Google Chrome Extention that is free and easy to use. I use this tool to help me proofread my blog posts and other things I write. Hearing what I wrote helps me find my mistakes much easier than reading the text myself. I also use this tool when I need to do research and read large pieces of text. 

Additional Software

Additional software features such as spell check and autocorrect, as well as font and formatting adjustments, can be incredibly beneficial for individuals with dyslexia in a work-from-home setting.

Spell check and autocorrect features can help individuals with dyslexia catch spelling errors and correct them quickly, without the need for external assistance. This can save time and reduce the stress associated with spelling mistakes, allowing individuals to focus on the content and meaning of their writing. One tool dyslexic people may find very useful is Grammarly.

Font and formatting adjustments can also be helpful for individuals with dyslexia, as certain fonts and formatting can be more challenging to read than others. Features that allow for font and formatting adjustments, such as changing the font style, size, and spacing, can make the text more legible and easier to process. There is even a dyslexia font that can be helpful for some.

Overall, these additional software features can make a significant difference in the ability of individuals with dyslexia to complete work tasks and communicate effectively in a work-from-home setting.

Work Environment Adjustments

Work environment adjustments, such as adjusting lighting and contrast and providing a distraction-free workspace, can significantly impact the ability of individuals with dyslexia to focus, process information, and complete work tasks effectively in a work-from-home setting.

Adjusting lighting and contrast can help improve visual clarity, reduce visual stress, and make it easier for individuals with dyslexia to read and write on screens. For example, adjusting the brightness and contrast of computer screens, using anti-glare filters, and ensuring proper lighting in the workspace can all help improve the readability of text and reduce eye strain.

Providing a distraction-free workspace can also be essential for individuals with dyslexia, as distractions can make it difficult to focus and process information. Creating a workspace that is free of visual and auditory distractions, such as turning off notifications on devices, using noise-canceling headphones, and keeping the workspace organized and clutter-free can help individuals with dyslexia stay focused and productive.

Overall, work environment adjustments can help create a workspace that is tailored to the specific needs of individuals with dyslexia, reducing distractions and visual stress and improving their ability to complete work tasks effectively.

Communication Accommodations for Dyslexia in a Work-From-Home Setting

Effective communication is crucial in any work setting, but it can be especially important for individuals with dyslexia. Here are some tips for improving communication with individuals with dyslexia in a work-from-home setting:

Written communication

1. Using clear and concise language: When communicating with individuals with dyslexia, it’s essential to use clear and concise language. Avoid using technical jargon or complex sentence structures, and break down information into manageable chunks that are easy to understand.
2. Providing written instructions: Providing written instructions can be beneficial for individuals with dyslexia, as they can refer back to the instructions as needed and take their time to process the information. When providing written instructions, use bullet points or numbered lists, and avoid using large blocks of text.

Verbal communication

1. Allowing for extra processing time: Individuals with dyslexia may need extra time to process verbal information. When communicating verbally, allow for extra processing time and avoid interrupting or rushing the individual.
2. Encouraging verbal communication methods that work best for the individual: Individuals with dyslexia may prefer certain verbal communication methods over others. For example, some individuals may prefer face-to-face communication, while others may prefer phone or video calls. Encourage individuals to use the communication methods that work best for them and make any necessary accommodations, such as providing a transcript or summary of a phone call.

By using clear and concise language, providing written instructions, allowing for extra processing time, and encouraging verbal communication methods that work best for the individual, you can help individuals with dyslexia communicate effectively and feel supported in a work-from-home setting.

Accommodation Implementation in a Work-From-Home Setting

Accommodation implementation is a crucial step in creating a successful work-from-home environment for individuals with dyslexia. Here are some key steps to take when implementing accommodations:

Discussing accommodations with your employer

Before implementing accommodations, it’s important to have an open and honest conversation with your employer about your needs. Explain the accommodations you require and why they are necessary. Be specific and provide examples of how the accommodations will help you work more effectively.

Evaluating the effectiveness of accommodations

Once accommodations are implemented, it’s important to evaluate their effectiveness regularly. This may involve monitoring progress, obtaining feedback from colleagues, and assessing whether the accommodations are meeting your needs.

Modifying accommodations as needed

If accommodations are not effective, or if your needs change, it may be necessary to modify the accommodations. For example, you may need to adjust the lighting in your workspace, use a different text-to-speech software program, or try a new organizational strategy.

Overall, implementing accommodations for individuals with dyslexia in a work-from-home setting requires open communication, ongoing evaluation, and a willingness to modify accommodations as needed. By taking these steps, you can help create a supportive work environment that allows individuals with dyslexia to succeed and thrive.

• Helpful software and apps for people with dyslexia include- text-to-speech software, speech-to-text software, dyslexia friendly-fonts, and spellcheck tools like Grammarly.
• Making adjustments to your work environment can also be helpful, this includes lighting and a distraction-free environment.
• Look for ways to improve written and verbal communication. 
• To implement the accommodations you will need to speak to your employer, evaluate the effectiveness of the accommodations, and make modifications as needed.