Internet and dyslexia

The internet may be an invaluable source of information, but it is also an excellent aid to students with reading difficulties, including students with dyslexia.

Dyslexic persons typically jumble words and phrases, find difficulty in remembering things, mix the sequence of letters in words, and have poor concentration.

The internet - and certain software - helps dyslexic persons through images, text size and background colour, and by allowing them to sort out information in a way which suits them best.

Annamaria Baldacchino, mother of two dyslexic boys, and former chairman of the Dyslexia Association, says that many books are not user-friendly, and put children off reading.

"The print in books is sometimes small and does not help the dyslexic child.

"The presentation of the books, the paper used and the crammed appearance does not help children either," she explains.

Since a dyslexic person can get confused on which line he/she is on, the small print in books does not help. On the other hand, she says that the internet is easier as presentations make it helpful for children.

"With computers, you can enlarge the script for each individual. Dyslexic persons can also make use of software that reads the text to them."

Carmen Muscat, chairman of the Dyslexia Association, says that it is not only the internet that can prove helpful, but also computers in general, especially assistive technology and other add-ons that computers now offer.

"Any person can personalise the way he/she views information on the internet and on computers.

"It is very common for anyone to change the text size of the internet, or to change the contrast to ease visibility. Children with dyslexia are prone to lose concentration easily. On the other hand, persons may have different levels of difficulties.

"A text reader can be used whenever children require the intervention of another person to help them read out information. Similarly, children can use computers and a text reader to read out class notes which they would have either typed, or photocopied and scanned.

"The internet gathers vast amounts of information which can be easily bookmarked and accessed later. Children can then read just the information they require, and at their own pace. These aides, which can be used by anyone, are especially useful for dyslexic children who can be less organised. In fact, the internet can substitute volumes of physical books which can discourage children. The benefits of internet and computers have not only been tried, but tested too. A recent report in the New York Times quoted Sally Shaywitz, the author of Overcoming Dyslexia and a Yale professor, who confirmed that experts on reading difficulties suggest the web may be a better way to glean information for struggling readers.

"I think it's just more comfortable and - I hate to say easier - but it more than meets the needs of somebody who might not be a fluent reader."

Despite the benefits, Ms Muscat is concerned that not all parents are aware of the help available to their children.

"Many parents know of these aides and encourage their children to use them. In doing so, parents need to be aware of the present risks of the internet which are a threat to any child. On the other hand, some are still computer illiterate, and thus cannot witness the benefits."

Nevertheless, children are learning about computers at school, and are also learning how technology can facilitate the way they look up and read information.

Ms Muscat said the association is planning on visiting schools to give talks to heads on dyslexia. One of the issues will be the use of assistive technology to facilitate learning.