How Teachers Can Help

Three major difficulties in the classroom for students diagnosed with Irlen Syndrome include: 1. Eye strain, fatigue and headaches when doing near point work; 2. Sensitivity to glare (especially fluorescent lights) and; 3. Copying from the board (especially white boards and OHP). Students can suffer from a combination of some or all of these symptoms.

• Allow extra time for all reading and writing, eg. copying from the board, assignments, tests, exams.
• Allow frequent breaks when sustained reading and writing is required.
• Allow student to have a water bottle handy to keep their brains and bodies well hydrated.
• Photocopy handouts, exams and homework onto coloured paper of the students' choice.

• If possible turn off some lights, don't make students sit directly under a fluorescent light, or directly facing a window.
• When using a computer, change the background colour of the screen, size of print and/or use a glare reducing filter.
• Allow the student to wear a cap in class.

• Photocopy handouts, worksheets etc. onto light coloured paper of the student's choice.
• Get them to highlight key words, make a concept map, answer questions about it.
• Sit student near the board.

• Don't ask the student to read aloud in class without their permission and time to practice.
• Allow students to give oral answers at times, rather than always written.
• Help student with organization if necessary.
• Teach using concrete examples where possible, especially for maths.
• Communicate with the parents.