Touch typing has proven to be extremely beneficial for individuals with dyslexia. This advanced typing technique eliminates the need and challenges associated with writing by hand and offers a new medium for getting thoughts onto paper easily and efficiently – boosting confidence and moral. When individuals learn how to touch type, the skill is automatized and transferred to the sub-conscious, leaving the conscious mind free to concentrate on more important tasks, such as: thinking, planning, composing, processing, proofing reading and editing. It improves quality, quantity and their overall performance in assignments and exams.
The ways touch typing can benefit dyslexic individuals
A different learning process
Touch typing uses a different memory skill than that of traditional methods. It eliminates the need of decoding spelling. With the repetition of touch typing real words, spelling and vocabulary are engrained to memory. Spellings simply become a series of finger movements and patterns on a keyboard, dramatically reducing the likelihood of transposing and misspelling words.
Easy correction
A paper littered with crossings out and scribbles can prove hard to read, will interrupt thought and work flow and can be very frustrating. When touch typing is learned, fingers automatically know when they have pressed the wrong key or made a mistake and normally they edit immediately. Additionally, when using a computer, spell checking tools are also available.
Composing whilst writing
Touch Typing is a ‘hidden’ skill that is often overlooked in education and life. It frees the mind and for dyslexic students, levels the playing field, allowing creativity in writing.
Reorganisation of thoughts
Individuals with dyslexia have a particular thought process. They jot down their thoughts first as a series of disconnected conceptions and then structure them into an organized answer / essay. Touch typing and using a computer allows them to do this more easily.
Touch typing – a game changer for individuals with dyslexia
Writing by hand can prove to be a great barrier for individuals with dyslexia whilst at school, the workplace and in life. It can result in low morale and self-esteem. Learning to touch type equips individuals with a ‘life skill’ that can be life changing. It can improve quality of work, productivity, outcomes of examinations and in turn, career prospects – boosting confidence, self-belief and esteem.