Students will need to learn how to self-advocate and become part of the process of creating a dyslexia-friendly environment. Students have to do that part themselves. It’s not that the college or university doesn’t want to help, it’s just that the law does not allow them to disclose the disability. A dyslexia-friendly college understands the nature of dyslexia and offers students appropriate supports, including the opportunity to use assistive technologies in the classroom, extra time on tests, and foreign language waivers or partial foreign language waivers, such as taking classes on the art and culture of Spain instead of taking Spanish.Įven if a college is dyslexia-friendly, dyslexic students will likely need to do a lot of the legwork when it comes to informing professors and acquiring accommodations. But learning support departments can differ dramatically from one college or university to the next. Many universities have some type of student resources department to support students who need accommodations and/or tutoring. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act colleges are required to provide fair and reasonable accommodations (reasonable is defined as anything that doesn’t alter the nature of the program) for all qualifying students. (Learn about how a school in Atlanta, Georgia, created a dyslexia-friendly environment.) (The Shaywitz DyslexiaScreen makes identifying dyslexia quick and easy.) Additionally, a dyslexia-friendly environment allows educators to be alert to problems and identify children who might be dyslexic. When teachers use these strategies they not only help dyslexic students learn, but engage and improve learning for all students in the class. Visual aids, technology and creativity help bring life into learning. These include using colors to highlight different parts of speech and other grammar rules, or using flashcards and computer games to help a student memorize spelling words. When a spelling or grammar test is given, teachers do grade a dyslexic student’s abilities in those areas but also work with students and parents to develop dyslexia-friendly study skills. When grading a creative writing assignment, a dyslexia-friendly teacher focuses on the content and creativity of the paper, and not spelling errors. When tests are necessary, teachers allow extra time or provide shorter tests for dyslexic students in the class. While it holds high expectations for dyslexic students, it allows reasonable alternatives beyond timed tests and text-heavy materials to demonstrate their knowledge.
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