Supports, and what the evidence says

What you can get depends on your school, your test, or your job. Ask a counsellor what applies to you.

Accommodations you can ask for

  • Extended time

    More time on tests and timed work, often 1.5 or 2 times the usual.

    Ask for: extra time on tests and timed assignments.

  • Audio versions of texts

    Textbooks and readings as audio, or read aloud by software.

    Ask for: audio versions of the readings, or permission to use text-to-speech.

  • Notes or slides ahead of time

    Getting the slides or a guided outline before class, so you can listen instead of copying.

    Ask for: the slides or notes before class.

  • Text-to-speech on tests

    Having test questions read aloud by a person or software.

    Ask for: test questions read aloud, or text-to-speech during tests.

  • A quieter room

    Taking tests somewhere with fewer distractions.

    Ask for: a quieter room for tests.

  • Instructions in writing

    Getting spoken instructions in writing too, so you can come back to them.

    Ask for: instructions in writing as well as out loud.

Reading tools, rated honestly

  • Some evidence

    Listening while you read

    A voice reads the text while the words light up, so your eyes and ears stay on the same word.

    Reviews of text-to-speech find a small-to-moderate gain in understanding what you read. It gives you access to the ideas; it does not train decoding by itself.

  • Strong evidence

    Splitting long words

    Break a long word into its prefix, root and suffix, so "unpredictable" becomes un + predict + able.

    Teaching word parts (morphology) is one of the better-supported ways to help older readers with long words and vocabulary.

  • Some evidence

    A syllable guide

    Mark where a word breaks into beats, so you can say it one piece at a time.

    Useful for sounding out a new word. Syllable rules have many exceptions, so treat the marks as a guide.

  • Little evidence

    Line focus

    Dim everything but the line you are reading, so the page feels less crowded.

    Many readers find it more comfortable. There is little research showing it improves accuracy, so keep it if it helps you.

  • Little evidence

    Special "dyslexia" fonts

    Fonts with weighted letter bottoms, sold as making reading easier.

    Studies have not found that these fonts improve reading speed or accuracy. Clear spacing and a plain font help about as much. Use one only if you simply prefer it.

  • Not supported

    Coloured overlays and tinted lenses

    Tinted sheets or glasses sold as a reading fix.

    There is no good evidence they help reading, and paediatric groups advise against them as a treatment. A dark or warm screen theme can be comfortable, but it is not a fix.