Susanna Cederquist: The importance of accessible reading for dyslexics
Reading is not the same as it was 150 or 200 years ago. Today we read in different ways, through our eyes, ears, and fingers (braille).
We are all different and read differently and effectively in different ways. Many people with dyslexia are primary aural readers, meaning that they read most effectively by ear when it comes to longer texts and when there is a time limit. There are also other reasons why you are a primary aural reader, such as a visual impairment, etc.
In my work, which is about educating about dyslexia, it is important to emphasize everyone's right to become a reader, an effective reader . I train teachers in teacher education, provide further training to teachers and school leaders and develop skills in the business community, companies and workplaces about dyslexia. The importance of understanding dyslexia and dyslexic thinking, that there is also room for dyslexia strengths that our society needs in the image of what dyslexia is about. But also about what consequences dyslexia has for the reading and writing area, and how we need to think and do here to create sustainable and equal conditions.
The importance of making texts accessible is close to my heart. And today we have all the technology we need. The responsibility to be able to reach more people with their message in text form should lie with the text author/sender, and today it is entirely possible. There are different types of technology to make printed information accessible; books, printed teaching materials, social information and other printed text. For some target groups, the Blipsay Listening Codes technology is suitable. As a reader, you scan the Listening Code next to the text with your phone, and hear the text read out in a real voice. For other target groups, such as children, where screen-free alternatives are better suited, there is the Readioo technology. Instead of visible listening codes, the information is embedded directly in the book pages and read out using the Readioo reading pen. Readioo makes it possible for children to control their listening and activate sound at their own pace.
I'm so happy that the need to be able to read in different ways is covered by these two products. More accessible text for the people!
Susanna Cederquist
A Picture of Dyslexia
Lecturer, author, course leader and teacher
