Inspired to Write

As an educator, my family, community, and students are like my personal writing cheerleaders—minus the pom-poms and questionable dance moves. Each book I've authored and published, along with every post I've shared, springs from a deep conversation with someone I care about (or at least someone who pretends to care about my ramblings). I spend a lot of time researching how to best support those I love, which sometimes leads to me writing instead of just sending them another cat meme. This motivation keeps me writing, researching, and trying to positively influence others' lives—because who wouldn’t want to be the superhero of someone’s reading list?

My project, "Word Storm," was initially inspired by my granddaughter, as the story is truly about her experience with dyslexia. Working as a substitute teacher, I was further inspired by students who also struggled with dyslexia and dysgraphia. When I shared the project with a colleague, she expressed appreciation because she also has dyslexia.

Word Blunder

Key Dyslexia Statistics

• Prevalence: 1 in 5 students (15-20%) has a language-based learning disability, of which dyslexia is the most common.

• Reading Performance: Up to 70-80% of people with low reading skills are likely dyslexic.

• Impact: 38% of fourth graders read "below basic" levels.

• Co-morbidity: 30% of children with dyslexia also have a mild form of ADHD.

Dyslexia affects 15-20% of the population, making it the most common language-based learning disability, while dysgraphia (writing disability) affects an estimated 5-30% of children. These conditions often overlap, with dyslexia impacting reading/spelling and dysgraphia affecting handwriting/fine motor skills. Both are neurological, frequently underdiagnosed, and equally prevalent regardless of gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background. (Dyslexia Center of Utah)

This is not to mention the stressors and challenges that arise from having a disability like dyslexia/dysgraphia. 

My approach to writing, particularly for dyslexic audiences or students who may be struggling with it, has been deeply influenced by individuals like Kate. Providing resources and text to promote their success has become a new passion of mine. This includes utilizing tools like specific fonts, providing research materials, and implementing simple technologies such as speech-to-text and text-to-speech.

The Need for Accessible Literature

The personal connection and the statistics highlight a profound need for literature and educational materials that are genuinely accessible to those with dyslexia and dysgraphia. While accommodations in the classroom are essential, the availability of well-written, engaging content outside of strictly educational settings is equally critical for fostering a lifelong love of reading and learning. My experience has shown me that simply providing resources isn't enough; the content itself must be crafted with an understanding of the cognitive load and unique processing challenges faced by these learners.

This realization is why "Word Storm" is not merely a story about dyslexia, but a project designed for dyslexic readers. It is an exploration of how narrative structure, vocabulary choice, and even physical book design can either act as a barrier or a bridge. The goal is to move beyond simply acknowledging the struggle and toward actively mitigating it through intentional design, ensuring that the emotional and intellectual richness of a story is available to every student, regardless of their neurotype. This commitment is what now drives my continued research into the field of universal design for learning (UDL) and accessible publishing.

Finally, remember to write for your target audience.The instruction to "elaborate" at the current cursor position, following the sentence, "Finally, remember to write for your target audience," requires expanding upon what it means to write for an audience that includes individuals with dyslexia and dysgraphia, which is the core subject of the preceding text.

Writing for a Target Audience with Dyslexia/Dysgraphia

To truly write for this specific target audience, one must operationalize the principles of accessible design. This goes beyond using reader-friendly fonts; it involves a holistic consideration of the reading experience.

Key Design Principles for Accessible Literature

Principle	Description	Implementation Strategy
Clear Layout and Formatting	Reducing visual clutter and cognitive load on the page.	Use ample white space, shorter line lengths, left-justified text (ragged right margin), and avoid fully justified text or text wrapped around images.
Typography Selection	Choosing fonts that minimize letter confusion and spacing issues.	Utilize dyslexia-friendly fonts (e.g., OpenDyslexic, Arial, or Verdana), ensuring an adequate font size (12-14pt minimum), and use clear spacing between letters and words.
Language and Vocabulary	Maintaining engagement while controlling linguistic complexity.	Employ concrete language, break down complex concepts, and introduce new vocabulary systematically with clear definitions or contextual clues.
Multisensory Engagement	Offering different modes for accessing the text.	Integrate speech-to-text options, consider audiobook versions, or include visual aids/illustrations that support the narrative without overwhelming the reader.
Structure and Navigation	Making the progression of the story clear and predictable.	Use short chapters, clear headings, and predictable narrative structures to help maintain focus and reduce anxiety associated with tracking the plot.

At Last

In conclusion, by adhering to these principles, we can guarantee that our commitment to developing supportive resources not only enhances the reading experience for every student or target audience but also transforms potential challenges into valuable opportunities for engagement and learning. This approach fosters a more inclusive and enriching environment, paving the way for success and growth for all learners.

What are some things that you have done to make literature more available to your diverse readers? Who inspires you to write? Share with me by clicking the comment button below.

You truly are a part of my inspiration.

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