5 Reasons to Introduce Accessible Reading at School

Introducing accessible reading to your school will benefit your students with dyslexia, vision impairments and additional needs  

In today’s educational landscape, ensuring that all students have equal access to learning opportunities is paramount. While we are more aware of the different models of learning, we know that different ways to read and learn are helpful for all classrooms. For children and young people with vision impairments, dyslexia and other special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), accessible resources are crucial.

One such resource is the EasyReader App. This free app works seamlessly with RNIB Bookshare and other accessible libraries around the world to provide educational books and learning material in a range of accessible formats.

Accessible reading for schools, colleges and universities

To make accessible reading easier to distribute, use and monitor within school, college and university settings, Dolphin has developed the EasyReader Premium Education Plan. This cost-effective provides additional in-app features, and introduces benefits specific to education settings.

EasyReader Premium Education Plan helps teachers, SENCOs and disability support staff distribute accessible reading technology to any student who might benefit. This may be young people who have an diagnosis of dyslexia, vision impairment or other SEND learning requirements, or for young people where additional support may be beneficial, but no SEND requirements have been officially identified – perhaps those on waiting lists.

Here are the top five reasons your school should introduce accessible reading with EasyReader Premium:

Accessibility promotes equal access to education

Accessibility promotes equity and inclusion in the classroom. This is essential for fostering an inclusive learning environment where every student can succeed.

Accessible resources like those offered by accessible libraries, such as RNIB Bookshare, ensure that students with vision impairments - and other print impairments such as dyslexia - can access the same educational materials as their peers. With EasyReader Premium Education Plan, teachers can set up student accounts so that through EasyReader App on their school and personal devices, learning resources can be read in a way that suits individual reading needs.

An EasyReader Premium Education Plan also enables teachers to monitor reading engagement, which can help identify additional support requirements.

Addresses budget constraints and rising needs

EasyReader Premium, in conjunction with RNIB Bookshare, provides a cost-effective solution for schools to offer accessible curriculum materials without the need for additional resources or staff. This ensures that even with budget constraints and long waiting lists, students with dyslexia, vision impairments and other print impairments receive the support they need.

Royal National Institute for Blind People (RNIB) estimate that 41,000 children and young people in the UK have a vision impairment. Many local authorities are cutting or freezing specialist education services budgets, so low-cost accessible resources are more important than ever in mainstream schools. 

The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) state that 10% of the UK population are dyslexic. That’s an estimated 1.2 million children across the UK, an average of two to three children in every classroom. The need for accessible reading solutions in education is clear, and EasyReader Premium will help these students reach their potential.

Accessible reading improves educational attainment

Research by RNIB reveals that children with a visual impairment as their primary SEND have lower attainment compared to their sighted peers. However, accessible resources can help bridge this gap. A survey of educational professionals using RNIB Bookshare showed that 62% agreed that it enabled children to reach their academic potential.

By using EasyReader Premium, schools can provide the necessary tools to help visually impaired students achieve more.

Students who struggle to read due to dyslexia or other print impairments will face significant challenges – particularly in the transition from primary to secondary school – where a below-expected reading standard can impact lessons in all subjects – from history to languages.

"Those who find reading difficult often become disengaged in lessons, this can lead to disruptive behaviour that impacts the whole class. Moreover, students who start secondary school with poor reading skills are far less likely to succeed in their English and maths GCSEs." OFSTED, 2022

To help address these challenges, EasyReader Premium offers a powerful solution. It provides the means for schools to share curriculum resources in accessible formats, it provides the accessible reading technology that readers can personalise, and it links students to learning material in accessible formats.

This all makes it possible for students to read independently in ways they prefer, so learning is more accessible and engaging.

Dolphin offers support and training for educators and SEND staff

An EasyReader Premium Education Plan makes it easy for teachers and support staff to provide accessible versions of curriculum resources to all students that need it. These resources can then be read on the students’ devices in formats such as large font, text-to-speech (TTS), Braille and audio, through the EasyReader App.

Dolphin provides training with CPD and RPPLE accredited courses for educators. A series of short lessons helps staff learn how to create accounts for students and how to support them to use EasyReader Premium features in the EasyReader App.

RNIB Bookshare supports over 33,000 teachers and SENCO staff by providing accessible textbooks for students with visual impairments and print disabilities, including dyslexia and dyspraxia.

This not only saves time but also ensures that students receive the materials they need in a format that works best for them.

Accessible reading enhances student independence and confidence

Accessible reading tools like EasyReader Premium empower students with vision impairments or other print impairments to take control of their learning. Providing materials in formats that suit their requirements means students can engage with the content more effectively.

This leads to increased confidence and independence. This is crucial for students’ overall development and helps them participate fully in their education.

In conclusion, introducing accessible reading with the EasyReader Premium in your setting is a significant step towards creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

By promoting equal access to education, addressing budget constraints, improving educational attainment, supporting teachers, and enhancing student independence, EasyReader Premium can make a profound difference in the lives of students with vision impairments, dyslexia and other special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

When you embrace the power of accessible reading, you give every student the opportunity to reach their full potential.

EasyReader Premium will help your setting support students with dyslexia and vision impairments as well as those with other special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to read independently.  

Claim a free 60-day trial for your school:

What is EasyReader Premium?

EasyReader Premium Education Plan allows schools, colleges, and universities to manage student access to accessible reading materials through a simple online account.

It is designed to support students with dyslexia, vision impairments, and other special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The EasyReader Premium Education Plan integrates with Google Classroom and Microsoft Education, and provides access to over a million titles from accessible libraries.

an EasyReader Premium Education Plan also offers accredited staff training and flexible administration options, so educators can set up and monitor student reading interactions easily. The EasyReader Premium Education Plan aims to foster independent reading and learning for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

What is Dolphin EasyReader App?

Dolphin EasyReader App is a free, accessible reading app designed to help people who are blind, visually impaired or dyslexic to read text and audio books in ways that suit their vision and preferred reading style. Here are some key features:

Key Features of Dolphin EasyReader App

• Wide Compatibility: Available on iOS, Android, Windows, and Amazon Fire devices.
• Accessible Formats: Supports a variety of formats including HTML, text files, DAISY 2 and 3, Microsoft Word (DOCX), and PDFs.
• Customisable Reading Experience: Users can adjust text size, fonts (including dyslexia-friendly fonts), background colour, and contrast. It also offers text-to-speech with synchronised highlighting¹.
• Library Access: Provides access to millions of books from accessible book libraries around the world, including RNIB Bookshare, NLS Bard in the US and CELA in Canada.
• Audio Books and Text-to-Audio: Users can listen to narrated audio books or have text-only books converted to human-sounding synthesized speech.
• Braille Support: Links to braille displays for braille readers.

What is RNIB Bookshare?

RNIB Bookshare is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) that offers a vast collection of educational books and learning materials in accessible formats. It is designed to support students with vision impairments and other print disabilities, such as dyslexia and dyspraxia.

Key Features of RNIB Bookshare:

• Extensive Collection: Over 1 million titles available in various formats, including digital Braille, audio, and PDF.
• Accessibility: Materials can be read electronically using apps like EasyReader or adapted to suit individual reading needs.
• Support for Educators: Provides resources for teachers, SENCOs, and educational support staff to help them deliver accessible education.
• Wide Reach: Supports over 42,000 students and is used by more than 12,000 educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities.
• Inclusive Learning: Ensures that students with visual impairments and print disabilities have equal access to educational materials, promoting inclusion and equity in education.

RNIB Bookshare is a valuable resource for creating an inclusive learning environment. It helps students with vision impairments, dyslexia and other print impairments to achieve their academic potential.