Thursday, 19 February 2026

📘 Easy Read Occupational Therapy Training Module Supporting Dyspraxia & Dyslexia Across the Lifespan

 


Audience: Students, trainees, occupational therapists, support staff, care staff, educators
Focus: Practical strategies from daily living to workplace and school adaptations
Length: Flexible; Levels 1–3 can be delivered as separate sessions or combined


🔹 LEVEL 1 — Awareness (Introductory)

Slide 1 — Title:
Easy Read Training: Awareness of Dyspraxia & Dyslexia

Slide 2 — Learning Outcomes:
By the end you will:

Know what dyspraxia and dyslexia are

Recognise signs at any age

Learn simple practical support strategies

Slide 3 — What Are Dyspraxia & Dyslexia?

Dyspraxia coordination, movement, planning, motor skills

Dyslexia reading, spelling, language processing

Can affect children, adults, elderly

Both affect confidence, independence, learning

Slide 4 — Everyday Challenges:

Trouble opening jars, bottles, or containers

Using cutlery, scissors, pens

Slow or messy handwriting

Misreading labels, forms, or instructions

Slide 5 — Simple Support Strategies:

Jar openers, ergonomic pens, scissors with grips

Coloured paper, large print, clear labels

Step-by-step instructions

Extra time for tasks

Visual or verbal prompts

Slide 6 — Activity:

Identify 3 everyday challenges

Suggest one adaptation for each


🔹 LEVEL 2 — Practical Application

Slide 7 — Learning Outcomes:
By the end you will:

Plan practical support

Use assistive technology and adaptive tools

Teach independence strategies

Monitor progress and adjust support

Slide 8 — Daily Living & Therapy Tasks:

Cooking, personal care, cleaning

School/work tasks: note-taking, reading, forms

Exercise or movement routines

Slide 9 — Practical Strategies:

Adaptive equipment (jar openers, ergonomic pens, grips)

Visual supports (coloured overlays, diagrams)

Technology (speech-to-text, timers, apps)

Teaching methods: step-by-step, demonstrations, checklists

Slide 10 — Case Study Activity:
Scenario:

Child struggles with handwriting and scissors at school

Adult struggles with reading instructions and forms at work
Task: Plan support including equipment, environment, teaching method

Slide 11 — Reflection:

Which strategies can you use at home, school, or work?

How do they promote independence?


🔹 LEVEL 3 — Leadership & Advanced Practice

Slide 12 — Learning Outcomes:
By the end you will:

Lead OT teams and staff in inclusive practice

Create structured support plans

Apply legal and ethical responsibilities

Implement inclusive policies

Slide 13 — Advanced Assessment & Planning:

Assess motor, cognitive, and literacy skills

Identify strengths and barriers

Develop individualised support plans

Review and update regularly

Slide 14 — System & Policy Design:

Accessible environments (colour cues, ergonomic tools, tech)

Staff training in practical support

Document adjustments

Advocate for resources (equipment, software, extra time)

Slide 15 — Leadership & Team Management:

Coach staff on OT techniques and support strategies

Promote neurodiversity awareness

Monitor outcomes (independence, confidence)

Encourage strength-based approaches

Slide 16 — Advanced Case Study:
Scenario:

Elderly resident with dyspraxia and dyslexia struggles with medication, forms, mobility aids
Task:

Design a support plan, including adaptive tools, environment, staff responsibilities, and independence strategies

Slide 17 — Universal Practical Strategies Table:

Area

Dyspraxia

Dyslexia

Support Tools / Adaptations

Daily Tasks

Poor coordination

Reading labels

Jar openers, ergonomic tools, colour-coded labels

Writing

Slow, messy

Spelling errors

Speech-to-text, templates

Reading

-

Misreads

Large print, coloured overlays

Planning

Hard to sequence

Hard to follow instructions

Checklists, visual aids

Confidence

Frustration & anxiety

Avoidance

Praise, achievable goals

Slide 18 — Knowledge Check:

Name three tools for dyspraxia in daily life

Give two strategies for dyslexia reading tasks

How would you adapt a classroom or workspace?

Why is independence important?

Name one legal responsibility for OTs or educators

Slide 19 — Key Messages:

Support must be practical, personalised, and age-appropriate

Inclusion benefits all ages

Everyday tools (jar openers to coloured paper) make a real difference

Staff and OTs should plan, monitor, and review

Confidence and independence are as important as skill development


🔹 Trainer Notes (for Presenter)

Speak clearly and slowly

Use plain English and short sentences

Include demonstrations of tools (jar opener, pen grips)

Encourage reflection and discussion

Check understanding regularly

Include all ages in examples (child, adult, elderly)


🔹 Activities & Reflection Prompts

Group discussion: Identify barriers in your setting

Case study planning: Design a support plan

Reflection: How can you adapt your teaching or OT interventions?

Hands-on: Practice using adaptive tools


🔹 

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