[Libs-Or] Resources: What can libraries do to better serve patrons with dyslexia?

[Katie Anderson]

After sending this email<http://listsmart.osl.state.or.us/pipermail/kids-lib/attachments/20150723/c96704ee/attachment.html> about library services for dyslexic patrons, I was invited to attend a workshop about dyslexia presented by Barbara Steinberg at Multnomah County Library (thank you!). Many of you know Barbara because she has presented 'Becoming Thinkers' about how children learn to read at an OLA Annual Conferences, CSD Workshop, and two Focus Institutes.

This is the third in a series of three emails about dyslexia. If you missed them, you can read the first one here<http://listsmart.osl.state.or.us/pipermail/kids-lib/attachments/20150903/7ce5ac0d/attachment.html> and second one here<http://listsmart.osl.state.or.us/pipermail/kids-lib/attachments/20150910/4131de1d/attachment.html>.

What can libraries do to better serve patrons with dyslexia? Keep in mind different accommodations are going to work/not work for different people.


*         Provide accommodations:

o   Audio books

o   Ebooks with text to speech (Kindle and Audible's Whispersync for Voice<http://www.cinemablend.com/pop/Kindle-Audible-Whispersync-Voice-Review-Best-Both-Worlds-48082.html> is one example)

o   Ebooks with dyslexic font (OverDrive's OpenDyslexic<http://blogs.overdrive.com/front-page-library-news/2015/04/07/the-overdrive-app-now-features-a-dyslexic-font-option/> is one example)

o   Colored overlays (Here is information about color overlays<http://www.nrsi.com/oldwebsite/parent_corner_colored_overlays.php> from National Reading Styles Institute, you can buy them from lots of vendors)

o   Know how to change the background and text colors on public access computers (Google Chrome's Olivia Reader<http://www.oliviareader.com/> is one example.)

o   Regular books published in dyslexic font (Amazon's Dyslexic-Friendly Editions<http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_pg_1?rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3ADyslexic-Friendly+Edition&keywords=Dyslexic-Friendly+Edition&ie=UTF8&qid=1437579917> is one example)

o   Specialty paper with raised lines or bright lines (Here is information about specialty papers<https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dysgraphia/understanding-dysgraphia#item7> from Understood.org, you can buy them from lots of vendors)

o   For literacy programs, remember it takes most people with dyslexia longer to read, longer to process what they read, many are poor spellers, and many have poor penmanship (Ideas: Use timed summer reading logs rather than number of books, don't ask someone you know or suspect has dyslexia open-ended questions about the reading during a program, forgive spelling errors, make it clear that listening to books is equivalent to eye-reading)



*         Refer patrons to organizations that specialize in providing treatment and/or resources for people with dyslexia:

o   Oregon Talking Book and Braille Library offers audio books for any Oregonian who cannot read or understand standard printed material as a result of a learning disability or brain injury.  If your patron is interested, have them fill out the attached application and have it signed only by their medical doctor.  Once signed just mail it to Talking Book (address is on the form) and we will begin their library service immediately. Service includes a free listening device that is checked-out to the patron indefinitely or they can download audio books to their own device.

o   Decoding Dyslexia Oregon<http://www.decodingdyslexiaor.org/> (Barbara Steinberg recommends this be the first place you refer people with dyslexia-especially if they want more assistance than their school can provide, but they can't afford to pay a professional to provide expert teaching)

o   Understood.org's Parent Coaching<https://www.understood.org/en/tools/parenting-coach> and Learning at Home<https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/learning-at-home>

o   IDA Provider Directory: Oregon<https://app.box.com/s/qxo4t5cxik6c3h0mpz9e> to find International Dyslexia Association professional members who indicate they provide services to the dyslexic community (updated June 30, 2015)

o   Create a list of local professionals who provide services to people with dyslexia. You might start by contacting your local school, school district, or education service district.



*         Suggest online resources:

o   International Dyslexia Association<http://eida.org/>

o   LD Online<http://www.ldonline.org/>

o   National Center for Learning Disabilities<http://www.ncld.org/>

o   The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity<http://dyslexia.yale.edu/>

o   Understood: For Learning & Attention Issues<https://www.understood.org/en>

Please share any other accommodations relevant to libraries, referral recommendations, and resources you learn about!

Thanks,
Katie
Katie Anderson, Youth Services Consultant
Library Support and Development Services<http://www.oregon.gov/osl/LD/pages/index.aspx>
Oregon State Library, 250 Winter St. NE, Salem, OR 97301
katie.anderson at state.or.us<mailto:katie.anderson at state.or.us>, 503-378-2528
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