Form Filling Help for Dyslexics

September 28th, 2009

A close friend who is dyslexic phoned up yesterday very frustrated because of ongoing problems he was having filling in a passport application form. It made me realize that the advice I gave him should be posted.

Advice in form filling for dyslexics.

• Read instruction with a highlighter pen and highlight all requirements, including documents that have to be sent with the form. This will help you remember and, when finished, you will be able to see at a glance what is required.
• Always write it all in pencil first. It is very advisable to get a non-dyslexic or non-dyspraxic friend to read the form through at this stage. I do.
• Correct it while still in pencil, including double-checking all numbers, names etc. I nearly got a web site up and running with my daughters phone number, instead of mine on it because I did not double check it at the end. Luckily a friend noticed.
• Get a friend to check it before you go over in pen.
• Always use a black pen as this is frequently a requirement.
• Only rub out the pencil once you are sure that it is correct and it has been completely filled out in pen.
• If you still make a mistake do not whiteout. Instead just cross out and then initial mistake.
• Always photocopy the form before sending off, in case it gets lost or someone wants more info.
• Go through all highlighted instructions before sending form off because frequently they ask for other documents to be sent as well.
• Remember, if you are severely dyslexic, that you do not have to take the citizenship test. If you are not able to read and remember the facts in the booklet they provide, then you do not have to take it, but you do need to get a report from an expert saying this. I know this because I have helped dyslexics with this.

Entry Filed under: Dyslexia,General