Dyslexia in the Workplace

SUCCESS ON THE JOB WITH DYSLEXIA

By Allan Appel

Handling the work environment is challenging enough for anybody. Add Dyslexia to the mix and the workplace takes on a more formidable arena. For a dyslexic person, deciphering letters and numbers or poor short-term memory of sequences are daily hurdles to overcome.

More than merely coping, a dyslexic person can succeed in the workplace. And achieving that success may be more easily attained by employing a few strategies. Many of these techniques are applicable to both employers and employees alike.

A key element is organizing work into small, more manageable segments. Otherwise, those tasks may seem more daunting and therefore less achievable. One method to break down work is to create a “to-do”? list. Each task should then be physically crossed off that list as they are completed. This mechanical procedure can add an intangible degree of satisfaction and accomplishment which can also act as a motivator.

Make sure any equipment or devices are available to help accomplish those tasks. This may include recorders or dictating machines to act as memory joggers. Features of a word processing program can also be enhanced for a dyslexic employee. This may involve a voice recognition program or a spell-checker feature.

The more important work tasks should be scheduled at a time of day more conducive for a dyslexic person. In most cases, that time is early in the morning. Combine that strategy with taking short, but regular, breaks during the day as a kind of re-charge for the “internal batteries.”?

Where possible, delegate some of the workload to others. Certain tasks may be more difficult than others to accomplish. And this is where communicating your condition can really pay off.

The physical workspace itself should be well-organized. This can be done by sorting files by subject, or perhaps in some other order of priority. Color-coding can also be utilized to differentiate the importance of those records. Other factors affecting the workspace may include lighting, furniture and the positioning of keyboards and computer monitors. Even the body’s posture can dramatically affect the quality of the workspace.

Each day should be considered its own deadline. Daily tasks should be prioritized to ensure the most pressing items are handled first. Those items not handled that day should then be carried over and entered for the following day.

Allan Appel writes a biweekly column about disabilities. He can be reached c/o Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers, 1939 S. Federal Highway, P.O. Box 9009, Stuart, FL 34994, or e-mail at aappel223@yahoo.com.