This page lists some useful resources for people who want to solve some of the problems posed by dyslexia.

This is just a small selection from the wide range of available resources.
It is intended to give you an idea of the kinds of resource that are available.
We are not seeking to recommend particular products.

Many of these items are available to view or borrow from our Resouces Centre in Nottingham (see 'How can we help?' page).
Ring our helpline on 0115 924 6888 to check availability.

Click to choose the type of resource you need from the list below, or read through the whole page.

• Books
  
  
• Computer software
  
  
• Equipment that may help dyslexic people
  
  
• Other organisations which may help
  
  

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This is just a small selection of the many useful books available.
These books can be ordered from a public library or a bookshop.
Some are also for sale at the N.D.A. Resource Centre in Nottingham.
It is helpful to note down the I.S.B.N. number and other details if you want to order a book.
Most of these books are also in the N.D.A. resource library, though they may be out on loan. Ring 0115 924 6888 to check before you visit us.

Dyslexia - a Parent's Survival guide

Toe by Toe

Dyslexia - A Teaching Handbook

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This is a selection from the range of software which helps some dyslexic people.
These software packages generally require a reasonably modern PC. Always check the system requirements before you buy.
N.D.A. can demonstrate some packages, but we cannot lend software packages due to licencing restrictions.
ianSYST, a specialist supplier of computer systems for dyslexic people, can supply these packages. Contact details are included in the list of organisations on this page.

Producing written work (essays, reports, letters etc)

Many dyslexic people find standard PC word processing packages very helpful. A word processor enables you to:

• Redraft and correct work with minimum effort
• Print off a presentable document, even if handwriting is a problem
• Adjust font style, size and colour on the screen for easier reading
• Check spelling and grammar (though your spelling needs to be good enough to recognise which word is correct)
• Copy sections of documents to reduce the amount you have to write

A dyslexic person who needs to write for work or study will benefit from learning good keyboard skills - see our T.T.R.S. courses on the What's On page.

Synthesised speech

A specialist package which 'reads aloud' selected text is helpful for many dyslexic people.
One such package is TextHelp, which is used alongside standard PC packages.
Text is read over the speakers, using electonically synthesised speech. This is not quite as easy to listen to as a recorded voice, but it can still be very helpful.
Some synthesised speech packages contain other aids to help when you are writing a document.

Voice Recognition Software

Dyslexic people who find typing very slow or difficult may be helped by voice recognition software
This is software which accepts spoken input from a microphone, and produces a text document. It takes substantial effort to set up a voice recognition package for an individual user and to learn to use it. However, some dyslexic people find voice recognition software very helpful.
One voice recognition package is Dragon Naturally Speaking

Packages to help dyslexic learners

Dyslexic people need a lot of practice when they are learning skills like spelling or basic arithmetic.
Computer packages can be useful for repetitive practice, particularly if they include a 'fun' element to keep the learner interested.
One example of a package for learning to read and spell is Wordshark. This is particularly useful for dyslexic children up to about 11 or maybe older.
Sets of words are presented in a structured way which helps dyslexic people to understand the patterns in English spelling. A variety of games allow the user to practice the words being learned.

Packages to help with organisation of information

Many dyslexic people find that they can understand and remember information most easily when it is presented using a diagram such as a mind map.
There are software packages which allow information to be arranged in various ways. This allows mindmaps and similar charts to be designed, rearranged and modified without a great deal of drawing.
One such package is MindGenius.

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Franklin Spellmaster

A pocket-size electronic device (looks a bit like a calculator) which allows you to check spelling. Key in the word the way you think it's spelt, and the spellmaster will offer a menu of possible words, with definitions if required.

Quicktionary Pen

A hand-held scanner which can be passed over printed text. The Quicktionary will identify a selected word, display it on its screen, 'speak' it aloud and offer a definition.
Some models offer additional features, including ability to communicate with a PC.
Requires clear printed text to work well.

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This section lists contact details for organisations which may be useful, especially in the Nottingham area.

British Dyslexia Association - B.D.A.

Offers advice and information nationally on dyslexia.
Campaigns for a dyslexia-friendly society.
N.D.A. is affiliated to B.D.A.

Dyslexia Action (formerly the Dyslexia Institute)

A national network of centres offering dyslexia assessment and tuition and training for teachers.
Locally, there are branches in Nottingham, Derby and Lincoln.

Parent Partnership

Parent Partnership organisations provide information, advice and support to parents of children with special educational needs.
Every Local Education Authority funds a parent partnership organisation, but these are impartial organisations which operate independently of the Authority.

Dyspraxia Connexion

Dyspraxia is a specific learning difficulty which affects coordination.
It is not uncommon for dyslexic people also to have some symptoms of dyspraxia.
Dyspraxia Connexion is the local dyspraxia support organisation, based in Nottingham.

ianSYST

ianSYST is a computer system supplier which specialises in systems for dyslexic people.
They offer product advice and a useful website.
They are not local, but sell by mail order.

Nottinghamshire Dyslexia Association
is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales no. 3941946
and a registered charity no. 1082345.
Registered office - Sherwood House, 7 Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham NG7 6LB