Dyslexia support beyond spelling
Reasonable Adjustments for Dyslexia at Work
Dyslexia can affect how people process written information, organise ideas, read dense documents, handle speed or manage working memory. Good adjustments reduce unnecessary friction so the person can do the work without battling the format.
The barrier is often format
Support should make information easier to access and act on.
The barrier is often format
Support should make information easier to access and act on.
Think beyond spelling
Dyslexia is often misunderstood as a spelling issue. In work, the barriers can be broader: dense written information, fast note-taking, unclear document structure, memory load, formatting, sequencing and time pressure.
A reasonable adjustment should not lower expectations. It should remove unnecessary barriers in how information is presented, processed or produced.
The best dyslexia adjustments often improve clarity for everyone.
Workplace barriers dyslexic employees may face
Dense documents
Long blocks of text, small fonts or cluttered layouts can make reading slower and more tiring.
Fast written tasks
Live note-taking, rapid written responses or timed forms can create avoidable pressure.
Working memory load
Multi-step verbal instructions can be difficult to hold and sequence without a record.
Formatting friction
Standard templates, fonts or background colours can make information harder to process.
Information management
Organising large volumes of emails, files or data can be cognitively demanding.
Proofreading load
The effort required to check for errors can take focus away from the actual content.
Practical dyslexia adjustment examples
Barrier: Reading dense documents
- text-to-speech software
- accessible formatting
- summaries
- extra time for reading
Information is easier to process and act on.
Barrier: Live note-taking
- permission to record
- transcription tools
- shared notes
- agendas in advance
The person can focus on the discussion instead of the record.
Barrier: Writing long reports
- speech-to-text software
- templates
- mind-mapping tools
- proofreading support
Ideas are easier to capture and structure.
Barrier: Verbal instructions
- written follow-up
- checklists
- agreed priorities
- visual workflows
Instructions are easier to revisit and sequence.
Barrier: Formatting friction
- accessible fonts
- coloured backgrounds
- screen overlays
- assistive technology
Visual stress is reduced and reading becomes faster.
Barrier: Information management
- organisational tools
- templates
- agreed filing systems
- regular check-ins
Workload becomes easier to manage and prioritise.
Accessible by default
Many dyslexia adjustments are simply good communication practices that benefit everyone in the organisation.
Clear structure
Use headings, bullet points and clear fonts in all documents.
Written follow-up
Always follow up verbal instructions with a written summary.
Advance agendas
Share meeting agendas and documents at least 24 hours in advance.
Assistive tech
Make text-to-speech and speech-to-text tools available to all staff.
Flexible formats
Allow people to consume and produce information in the format that works for them.
Supporting dyslexia adjustments with AXS Passport
AXS Passport helps people describe access needs and helps organisations manage adjustment requests, records, ownership and review.
Access profile
People can describe relevant support needs in a structured way.
Controlled sharing
Information can be shared only with the right people.
Adjustment requests
Practical workplace changes can be requested and reviewed.
Review
Support can be revisited as symptoms, roles or work demands change.
Make dyslexia support easier to manage
AXS Passport helps organisations handle adjustment requests with clearer records, privacy and review.