Reading Experiences and Reading Efficiency Among Adults with Dyslexia: An Accessibility Study

Abstract

Dyslexia is a common reading disorder that typically affects reading, concentration and short-term memory. Consequently, for people with dyslexia, reading fictional books might be challenging. Several studies have addressed layout and typography of digital texts. Less attention has been directed towards printed books. It has been suggested that e-readers might be beneficial for some people in this cohort. In this study, however, all the participants preferred reading fictional books on paper. This study investigates whether different line lengths affect reading experiences and reading efficiency of people with dyslexia. The overall purpose is to get a better understanding of how to produce accessible books. The experiments involve 20 adults reading excerpts from three fictional books in four different conditions where line length is the only independent variable. A screening-test for dyslexia was applied, in addition to eye-tracking and interviews. The findings indicate that the participants do not prefer narrow line lengths. However, the results show no significant impact of line lengths on reading speed or comprehension. The main conclusion is that line lengths seem to affect reading motivation, but not performance.

The Development and Production of Literature Within an Easy Language and a Universal Design Perspective

“…Research from Norway [8,21] emphasizes the importance of finding a balance where the reader does not experience being offered "specialized literature" while at the same time being provided with an accessible book. If the books are perceived as adapted in form or content, they do not appeal to the reader.…”

“…Common for this research is the conclusion that text layout is an important supplement to Easy Language. Reading speed and experience are thus affected by both the text itself and the presentation [21].…”

“…Ross [2] reported that the length and time required to read a book are important criteria, including the size of the book and the cover. People with reading challenges do not want to be seen reading the so-called "easy books" [8,21]. Measures must therefore be taken to ensure that these books are not perceived as "adapted books".…”

“…Experiences from Books for Everyone show a great potential in collaboration with target groups, researchers, and practitioners. Examples of this are the studies conducted in cooperation between Books for Everyone and researchers [8,21]. In these studies, Books for Everyone has been an important contributor to the research design and benefitted from the outcome of the research.…”