Flexible and accessible text in the classroom. Making text based information accessible in my drama classroom. NB: Additional resources including example handout available at https://misswelvaert.wordpress.com/udl/

Everyone benefits from flexible, “reader friendly” text Who am I helping? Students with reading difficulties such as dyslexia Students with visual impairments “Reader friendly” text is more accessible to most students. All student benefit from an inclusive classroom environment where learning difficulties are supported as ‘normal’ rather than ‘different’. Everyone benefits from flexible, “reader friendly” text

Tips I use Type rather than handwrite (PowerPoint over whiteboard). Whiteboard tip – alternate lines in different colours (Black and Blue are usually best). Provide digital access to resources – .docx over PDF Use Dyslexie font. Reader friendly layout. Transfer exemplars to a reader friendly format. Plain text documents can be manipulated to the size/ contrast/ font that works best for the student or fed through an interpreter to read the material aloud. Students are able to add notes and highlight key learning points.

Why do it? These are small and straightforward changes that can make a big difference to students with difficulty reading and interpreting text. Considering UDL is a prevention mechanism, in the long run it saves teacher time and energy and supports positive learning experiences for all students.

Resources Open Dyslexic font - free download Explore technology options for increasing accessibility Apps for Dyslexia and Learning difficulties Dyslexia foundation NZ 4D Schools website Barriers to families with learning difficulties - NZ Herald article. Difficulties living with dyslexia - video clip.