The ability to read and understand or comprehend written instructions is a necessary requirement in most workplaces across all industries. Reading is a skill which involves the process of 'constructing meaning' from written material and requires the integration of several skills, which can be difficult for some people.
People with a cognitive impairment, such as a specific learning or intellectual disability, may have particular difficulty reading as they typically experience problems with language and communication in general. Consequently they may need support in this area and or alternative means of acquiring skills and knowledge, for example they may learn more effectively by 'seeing and doing'—using a hands on approach or through active learning strategies. The link below has more information on active learning strategies:
Workplace solutions and adjustments:
There are a number of strategies, support services and products available to assist people who experience difficulty understanding written instructions in the workplace.
On the job strategies and products
- keep any written instructions very brief and straight forward—use simple language, incorporate dots or bullet points wherever possible, use large print and colour code text:
- confirm worker understanding by asking for a demonstration or to repeat back in their own words what was read, as many will say that they understand when in fact they don’t
- provide important written information such as procedures manuals in spoken format such as a CD or have a suitable workplace representative read important information to the worker to ensure it is understood
- provide alternatives to the written word, examples include:
- role play or demonstrate the instructions, including the 'do’s' and 'don’ts (perhaps more than once) and then allow the worker the opportunity to practice for themselves, providing appropriate feedback
- for factory or production workers include a model of the various stages of the product during production to allow comparison
- provide task outlines in picture form rather than using words
- include team activities to consolidate understanding
- allow workers access to large white boards and chalk boards for drawing symbols or pictures etcetera that enable them to make their own interpretation of written instructions in a meaningful way
- consider the use of adaptive technology which enables scanning of written text or instructions and then converts this to verbal information for easier processing
- establish a buddy program with a co-worker to provide extra support for workers who experience reading difficulties.
Support
Relevant training courses via a Registered Training Organisation may assist with the development of reading and comprehension skills. Part time study can often be undertaken outside of work hours, or study leave may also be possible.
Computer programs specifically designed to assist in reading and comprehension skill development may be suitable:
Easy English interpreters may be able to assist a person with a specific learning or intellectual disability with understanding written instructions in the workplace by breaking down complex information and explaining it in simple language, without the use of jargon or technical terms.
Specialist employment agencies which provide coaching, mentoring and support on the job can offer a valuable service in the development of work skills to people who experience reading difficulties:
(Access Centre (no date specified); Scholastic 2009)
References:
Access Centre (no date specified), Computer-Assisted Instruction and Reading, Access Centre, Washington, viewed 17 April 2009, <http://www.k8accesscenter.org/training_resources/computeraided_reading.asp>.
Wilhelm, J. 2009, Understanding Reading Comprehension, Scholastic Inc., viewed 17 April 2009, <http://content.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=4465>.