For some people, learning and reading is difficult. They work hard, but don't make progress. Websites, apps and documents are then often too difficult. Dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia are the main causes, but autism, ADD and ADHD can also play a role.
According to the central government, some 2.5 million Dutch people lack basic digital skills. They have difficulty using or understanding digital processes. Using the computer or smartphone is then slower or costs more energy.
Reading and learning disabilities can greatly affect basic digital skills. For some people, experience is especially lacking: they did not grow up with digital tools and thus have little experience in the digital world. Solving digital problems, following processes and processing information is very important to be able to do business with the government and participate in society independently even in later life.
The three dys's are often at the root of reading and learning disabilities. For people with severe reading or learning disabilities, relatively simple websites or apps can already be a problem. Reading then takes a lot of energy and recognizing (often logical) structures can also be difficult. When creating a digitally accessible website or app, take this into account.
Reading and learning disabilities are problems with reading and/or learning. They are often hereditary, but not always. They can also be caused by chronic illness, social environment or other types of disabilities. There is no direct correlation with IQ: learning disabilities occur in people of low, average and high intelligence.
People with dyslexia often have noticeable problems with reading and spelling. The mistakes made often seem to be somewhat sloppy, for example forgetting letters, turning words around or sentences that are not finished. Reading, spelling and sometimes writing are often slow and take more energy.
People with dyscalculia have difficulty with math and arithmetic. There may also be problems with automating, following steps in a process or understanding a graph.
People with dyspraxia have difficulty performing purposeful actions or certain compound movements. An example is writing, as well as putting on clothes in the correct order.
They have difficulty with fine and gross motor skills. This can cause problems with everyday things such as writing, reading and drawing.
As an adult, you are low literate if you have difficulty with reading, writing and/or arithmetic and it limits you in everyday life. You can then insufficiently participate in society. Often people who are low-literate also have insufficient digital skills.
Low literacy affects, for example, finding a job. Arranging important things, for example with the government, is often very difficult.
Low literacy is different from illiteracy. A low-literate person can read and write, but not enough to participate well in society. An illiterate person cannot read and write at all.
“In the Netherlands, 2.5 million people aged 16 and older have difficulty with reading, writing and/or arithmetic. That is 18% of all people in the Netherlands. So about 1 in 6 people!”
Adequate attention is needed when (learning to) read and spell. Children with ADD or ADHD who lack attention can also develop delays in reading and learning as a result. Sometimes dyslexia and other disorders pose a problem together.
Research shows that disorders such as ADD, dyslexia and autism can occur in combination more often than average.
In the case of Dyslexia and ADHD, this occurs between 15 and 40 percent of the time. Therefore, when paying attention to learning and reading disorders, other disabilities that may affect (learning) to read should also be considered.
People with reading and learning disabilities need peace of mind and structure on websites, apps and documents. The more distractions, the more difficult reading becomes. Also, don't make your texts too difficult. These are a few tips you can consider:
Avoid moving elements on your website or have them easily paused.
Don't use too many difficult words. Write clear language.
Avoid confusion, don't do things on your website that someone doesn't expect.
Give the visitor enough time to complete a process.
Help the visitor with clear instructions and error messages so that mistakes are avoided.
Provide enough contrast in the texts, this reads easier.
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