Many adults face difficulty in reading and writing, which can make certain tasks at work feel overwhelming. From reading emails to writing reports, these challenges can affect your workday if you have learning differences like dyslexia. The good news is that there are many tools and strategies to help you manage these difficulties. Here are some simple solutions you can use on your own or discuss with your manager.

Supports You Can Set Up and Use on Your Own

Reading Tools

If you experience difficulty in reading and writing, there are many reading tools available to help make things easier:

• Turn on the read-aloud settings on your computer or phone. Most devices come with built-in options.
• Try text-to-speech software like Speechify or Read Aloud, which can read webpages out loud.
• Use websites like NaturalReader to copy and paste any text, like work emails, and have it read aloud.
• Reduce distractions with reading modes in web browsers, such as Reader on Safari or Chrome’s Reader Mode. These remove ads and visual clutter, making text easier to focus on.
• Adjust font size, font type, and background color in your browser to make reading more comfortable. Chrome’s Reader Mode also offers a reading ruler to help focus on each line.

Writing Tools

For those with difficulty in reading and writing, writing tools can be a big help:

• Use grammar tools that also check spelling and punctuation, such as Grammarly.
• Try speech-to-text features on your device or Google Docs’ voice typing tool to dictate your ideas.
• Use predictive text to help with typing faster by suggesting words as you type.
• Note-taking tools like Microsoft OneNote allow you to dictate notes.
• Mind-mapping tools help organize thoughts visually. Tools like EdrawMind offer templates to plan out sections before writing.

Specialized Products for People with Learning Differences

If you have difficulty in reading and writing, there are specialized products designed to help. Some of these products might be costly, but you can often try them for free before deciding.

• Specialized spellcheckers like Ghotit’s Keyboard App and Real Writer & Reader are designed for people with dyslexia.
• Text-to-speech scanners like Voice Dream can read text aloud, even offline, and scan written text for reading.
• Devices like C-Pen ReaderPen can read aloud handwritten material.

Supports You Can Ask Your Manager to Provide

If you experience difficulty in reading and writing, don’t hesitate to ask for help from your manager. Here are some ideas:

Making Text Easier to Read

• Ask for important details up-front. Request that key information in emails or reports be bolded or highlighted at the top for easier access.
• Request information in smaller chunks. Long paragraphs can be tough to read, so ask for section headers, short paragraphs, and bulleted lists.

Requesting Alternatives to Reading

• Ask for multiple formats. For example, have written instructions paired with verbal explanations or demonstrations.
• Request audio communication. Suggest that your manager or coworkers leave voice messages or give a quick call instead of sending long emails.
• Ask for a mentor. A colleague can help make sure you’re getting all the key points from written materials.

Help with Difficulty in Reading and Writing

• Ask for a group note-taker at meetings. Having someone take notes for everyone can help ensure you get all the details without having to take your own.
• Request templates and examples. These can be for common tasks like job descriptions or business proposals.
• Find out who to ask for help. When starting new projects, talk to your manager about who can assist with writing and proofreading.

Dealing with difficulty in reading and writing at work can be challenging, but with the right tools and support, it becomes easier. Whether you’re using built-in device settings or asking for help from your manager, these strategies can make a big difference in how you manage your workday.