Supporting dyslexic employees with literacy software for adults
One in 10 people have dyslexia. Read&Write for Work helps neurodivergent employees to thrive in their own way.
Providing assistive technology for employees with Dyslexia
Globally, 10% of people are dyslexic. These individuals process information visually and with originality. To their team members, people with dyslexia are often known as the problem-solvers. They can also provide strengths like creative problem solving and detailed verbal communication.
But for many, the digital workplace creates barriers to their success. As employees with dyslexia navigate the fast-paced world of work, that’s mostly made up of the written format, their unique strengths can go untapped. This is why it’s critical to have the right accommodations in place.
Hear from Taljinder, a Corporate Communications and Engagement Analyst with Dyslexia and Dyspraxia, on the common challenges she faces in the workplace.
Introducing Read&Write: our literacy support tool
Read&Write for Work empowers employees to reach their full potential. Already trusted by companies like EY, Lumen, and Network Rail, this inclusive tool provides vital support for neurodivergent employees, including those with dyslexia, ensuring everyone has the resources they need to succeed.
So how can Read&Write benefit Dyslexic employees?
- Hear text read aloud to help with comprehension, retention and to read work aloud to catch errors.
- Use word prediction to streamline writing and minimise spelling errors.
- Dictate information rather than typing to help put thoughts and ideas down quicker.
- Use spell checkers to catch typos and common word confusions. Dyslexia can sometimes lead to unintentional mistakes, and these tools can help identify and correct them quickly, boosting confidence and accuracy.
- Organise information with highlighting tools to enhance focus and clarity. This can help organise key information.
Used by organisations including
In this video, Roshni, a Dyslexic Legal Counsel, shares her 2 favorite features within Read&Write.
Here’s how Roshni uses Read&Write to help with her daily tasks as a lawyer:
- Highlights lets Roshni highlight text in different colors to help with digesting and organizing large documents.
- Roshni also uses Text-to-speech to read work back work and adjust for errors, style and length.
Read&Write’s features support…
Reading large documents
Many individuals with dyslexia process information best when it's audible.
Text-to-speech allows them to decode text in their preferred way. This helps them to take in information much quicker and proofread their work much faster. Read&Write offers text-to-speech across any platform or device. And supports easy listening on the go. Being able to create an MP3 file with Audio Maker lets employees listen to documents when on-the-go. This is also extremely useful for audio processors.
Speedy processing
Employees with dyslexia may need support with how quick they process text.
Highlights lets employees organise text and record key points in different colors to help emphasise key areas. Screen masking can be used by employees with dyslexia to tint their screen. This can reduce glare for people with color or light sensitivity, or just to reduce eye fatigue.
Improved focus
Individuals with dyslexia can find it difficult to focus and might feel eye fatigue when looking at a screen for a long time.
Read&Write's Screen Masking feature that helps to focus the users attention on content they want to read. It helps to remove what many dyslexics describe as ‘distorted and moving text’. This makes it easier to interpret, and supports employees to finish tasks.
Proofreading
Even if carefully reading over text, mistakes can still be missed. This can be particuarly challenging for employees with dyslexia. Checking for flow of writing can also be difficult when reading in our heads.
Hearing text read aloud with Text-to-speech can help employees quickly spot mistakes and if the wrong word has been used. Employees can easily play their writing aloud to help adjust for mistakes, length, pace and style.
Accuracy of written work
Individuals with dyslexia might also encounter issues with spelling and grammar.
Check It is a dyslexia-friendly spellchecker that highlights errors and proposes suggested corrections. This lets employees focus on the content of their work, rather than spending time and energy on creating error-free work.
Read&Write offers instant, discreet support to everyone
Many people with dyslexia are diagnosed later in life, if diagnosed at all. In fact, whilst the official statistic is that 10% of us are dyslexic, it’s estimated that this figure is more likely to be 16%. In addition, 3 in 4 of us hide our Dyslexia from our employers. Being made to feel different can be a worry.
Read&Write allows you to offer instant, discreet support to everyone, meaning no-one has to self-identify. It helps you to create a working environment where employees are supported to work in their own way, right from the start.
3 in 4 of us hide our Dyslexia from our employers
Being made to feel different can be a worry. Many people with dyslexia are diagnosed later in life, if diagnosed at all. In fact, whilst the official statistic is that 10% of us are dyslexic, it’s estimated that this figure is more likely to be 16%.
Meet Colin: a UK Civil Servant with dyslexia and user of assistive technology.
“At one stage of my career I started working for a government department where there was a lot of reading and writing. I had a really bad time, and was almost fired. Basically because dyslexia wasn’t recognised back then. Thankfully I ended up with a really good Line Manager who put me in for an occupational health assessment where I received my diagnosis and inclusive technology Read&Write.”
“Read&Write has been a large part of me making my promotions to where I am today.”
Colin’s story emphasises the importance of providing accommodations from the get-go. When employees don’t have to ask, they don’t have to disclose their dyslexia. This helps create a more inclusive workplace, where everyone is supported.
Demonstrate your commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
Read&Write shows employees a commitment to helping them feel supported and confident to bring their whole selves to work.
This contributes to an overall workplace culture that embraces the unique strengths of each team member. An inclusive workplace culture is something that’s increasingly valued by the workforce when it comes to job searching.
As a result, using Read&Write not only attracts talent from diverse backgrounds, but also helps with employee retention. Because when employees feel supported and valued, they’re more likely to stay engaged, committed and motivated.
Discover more about Read&Write
Get a quick demo on some of the features in Read&Write, with Greg Welch, Product Manager at Texthelp.
Get the guide & learn more about supporting neurodivergent staff
For more information on what we can do to understand and help our neurodiverse employees, check out our free guide, Neurodiversity in the Workplace: A Guide for HR and DEI Managers. In here, you'll find more information on supporting employees with dyslexia by creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive.
Discover how Read&Write can support employees with Dyslexia
Read&Write supports over 40 million people worldwide at companies such as EY, Lumen & Netword Rail, and we’re ready to support millions more. Chat to us about how Read&Write can support your people. Complete this form to ask us questions, receive a demo, or to discuss licensing options.
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