Dyslexia - what is it and what can RNIB Bookshare do?

Dyslexia and RNIB Bookshare

Under the terms of the The Copyright and Related Rights (Marrakesh Treaty etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2018 , Dyslexia is defined as a print disability. This means that a learner with dyslexia is entitled to use RNIB Bookshare to access the curriculum and leisure titles they want to read.

As a dyslexic learner you may find it easier to use our accessible electronic files of titles you need on a tablet or other elctronic device. You can then listen to, or change how you view the text in terms of font colour and style and background. You could also modify the title to print out and read, whatever works best for you.

But don't take our word for it as Liz, a Programme Tutor at Oldham College has told us about using RNIB Bookshare with dyslexic learners;

 "one dyslexic learner ... was able to access her course textbook without any difficulty and started using it within minutes of logging into the service for the first time. She also used text-to-speech software to read along with her as she read, thus extending her vocabulary and understanding and making the experience more multi-sensory." Liz, Oldham College

If you need any help in using the titles, please just get in contact with us.

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is defined as a learning difficulty that affects the literacy skills, such as writing, reading, and spelling. People with dyslexia may also struggle in other areas, such as the ability to concentrate, short-term memory, personal organization, time management, and the ability to differentiate left from right.

Many people who have dyslexia have strong visual, creative and problem solving skills. It's a life-long condition which can have a substantial effect on an individual's day to day activities and is classed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010.

The signs and symptoms of dyslexia differ from person to person. Each individual with the condition will have a unique pattern of strengths and weaknesses.

It's important to know that while dyslexia impacts learning, it's not a problem of intelligence. learners with this issue are just as smart as their peers. Many people have struggled with dyslexia and gone on to have successful careers. 

If your child has dyslexia, they won't outgrow it,  however,  there are supports, teaching approaches and strategies to help them overcome their challenges.

Resources and more information

For more Information about dyslexia, inidicators and strategies please visit specialist resources from British Dyslexia Association. 

More great support, advice and knowledge

  • Nessy - education resources
  • Made by Dyslexia - helping the world properly understand and support dyslexia, great for viewing dyslexia positively.