To new members-- I'm posting this info again for you. Julie, Irlen screener
www.readingandlight.com



School accommodations for students with Irlen Syndrome (light sensitivity;
related reading problems)



Students with Irlen Syndrome are sensitive to aspects of light such as
brightness and glare on a white page of text or figures. These students may
experience reading problems because of blurred or distorted or "moving"
print, a reduced span of letters seen clearly at one time, and/or difficulty
remaining focused on the white page. Or students may experience headaches,
eyestrain, extreme fatigue or other symptoms. Below are reasonable
accommodations that help many students with Irlen Syndrome. Fewer or
additional accommodations might be necessary depending on individual needs.

Modified Lighting. Indirect natural light or incandescent light is usually
best. Reduce fluorescent lighting by turning off some lights, putting in
some burned-out tubes or leaving the lights off. While natural indirect
lighting is helpful, students with Irlen Syndrome should not have to face
the window in classrooms or face the sun on the playground.

Colored Overlays. A certified Irlen screener or diagnostician can help each
child find one or more colored overlays that relieves symptoms.
Encourage/remind students to use their colored overlay(s) in all subject
areas, including math. Ensure that reading is tested using the child's
overlay color(s); overlays are allowed on Minn. state tests and college
entrance tests. (The wrong color overlay can also cause strain and other
symptoms.)

Colored paper for reading. Worksheets/Tests/Math sheets/Information sheets
should be printed on colored paper, if possible a color similar to the
child's overlay color. (Try blue, purple, other colors if the student can't
be tested.) Recycled paper has less glare than regular white. Ink color can
also make a difference.

Colored paper for writing. Allow as much work as possible to be done on
colored paper. a color similar to the overlay color or gray or beige.
Handwriting may improve.

Hats or Visors. Let students who have Irlen Syndrome wear visors or hats
with dark underbrims in the classroom and on the playground. This reduces
glare and reduces symptoms. Visors/hats also help with glare in stores.
Exceptions to "no-hat" policies are made for light-sensitive students.

Book Position. Reading should be done from materials placed directly in
front of the child. Students should not attempt to "share" reading material.
A bookstand or book propped at an angle can help with glare. A reading
corral that shades the book can be used.

Overheads. Limit the amount of work done using an overhead projector. The
intense lighting may cause real discomfort. Or place a colored overlay on
the projector.

Chalkboards and whiteboards. Write in columns rather than across the
chalkboard. Write each paragraph in a different color to help with tracking.
Whenever possible, do not use white boards; tan or gray are easier to read.

Copying. Allow students to copy from paper to paper (rather than copying
from chalkboard to paper or overhead screen to paper). If necessary, allow
child to copy what has already been copied from the board or screen by
another child or provide a copy of the teacher's notes.

Markers. Encourage students to use a ruler or bookmark to improve accuracy
and speed. Some students become more efficient readers by using markers
under the line, on top of the line or after the word read. The marker
should be the same color as the overlay or black, not white.

Computers. Dim the screen light, change the background color and/or use
overlay(s) to reduce symptoms while using the computer.

RE: Eye contact and attention: Students with Irlen Syndrome may have a hard
time making eye contact or maintaining focus on a speaker due to visual
stress, distortions or headaches. They may get symptoms from striped
clothing or other high-contrast patterns.

Other possible accommodations: Enlarged print (www.large-print.net) or
magnification bar. Breaks while reading, writing, using computers or doing
other visually intensive tasks. Books on tape (National Library Service for
the Blind and Physically Disabled)



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