Dyslexia and dyslexia teaching for adults (OBU)

Dyslexia is not about intelligence or laziness. It is a difficulty linking letters and sounds so that reading and spelling become slow and demanding. Many adults have lived with it for years — often with lots of clever strategies to hide it — without ever having had a word put on what was difficult.

§What is dyslexia?

Dyslexia, also called dyslexia, is a specific difficulty with written language. The dyslexic person may have quite ordinary abilities in all other areas but uses disproportionately much energy on reading and spelling. It is congenital and does not go away on its own — but you can become significantly better at managing it with the right teaching and the right aids.

Typical signs

• 01PLACEHOLDER_95
• 02You spell the same word differently, even common words
• 03You avoid situations where you have to read or write in front of others
• 04You often read the content fine but use disproportionately long time

§Being tested

Before you can get dyslexia instruction, you take a dyslexia test and have a conversation with a mentor. The test is not an exam you can fail — it's to clarify whether dyslexia instruction is the right offer or whether something else would fit better. If the test shows that dyslexia instruction is not right, you are advised about other options, such as preparatory adult education.

§What is OBU?

Dyslexia teaching for adults (OBU) is a targeted offer for adults with dyslexia. Teaching typically takes place in small groups with teachers who are specially trained to teach dyslexic people. The focus is on reading, spelling and writing strategies and learning to use IT aids tailored to the individual. Teaching is free.

§Assistive devices that make a difference

Organ restoration

• 01Screen readers that read the screen's text aloud
• 02Programs that suggest and predict words as you type
• 03Speech-to-text, where you speak and the text is written
• 04Apps that can photograph and read text on paper aloud

§It is never too late

Many adults hesitate to do something about dyslexia because they think the train has left the station. It has not. The brain can learn new strategies at any age and many find that OBU not only improves reading and writing but also gives renewed belief that they can cope with things they have long avoided.

Seeking help for dyslexia is a sign of courage, not weakness. Those who take this step often open doors in both working life and education that have long been closed.