Does dyslexia pose any issues when it comes to woodworking? If someone is interested in coming to my woodshop, but has dyslexia, are there any issues that we should pay special attention to or be aware of? I would really love to get this person into the shop and able to do some projects that they have never had the opportunity to do before, I just want to make sure we can accomplish this safely. If anyone has any experience of information about dyslexia and woodworking please let me know!!
Thank you,
Emily

I don't see how this would be a safety issue. There's the chance that written instructions could be misread, but that's about the only worry I'd have.

A good friend of mine is slightly dyslexic and also a woodworker. The dyslexia doesn't seem to affect his work at all; in fact, he works circles around most other guys. But this must vary from person to person.

I ran a shop years ago with a dyslexic cabinetmaker. He made a couple of L-shaped workstation tops with the L in the wrong place, and was unable to understand what the problem was. Other than that he was solid and safe. We just had to keep an eye on him when asymmetry was a factor.

I see no reason why safety would be a problem, with proper training.

I would think reading dimension incorrectly would be your biggest concern...103" may become 130". I know I had some dyslexic students when I taught. Reading was the greatest struggle for them. If he/she needs to read finishing labels or similar material you may need to find work-arounds for that.

Dyslexia is a reading disorder. Each person has a different level of not being able to read. You might want to show this person several important safety signs to make sure they can comprehend them. Overall, remedial teaching by a trained professional can result in substantial improvement. ManY people with dyslexia are above average in intelligence. They may also have low self esteem because they cannot read. Math skills may also be weak. Yet, with professional training, they can adapt well. A health care specialist may be able to give you some guidance on how to be helpful...your concern i posting here already shows that you are a special person. Thanks. I encourage you to hire this person.

As with all safety training, keep records of what you do.

I don't think there will be a problem with dyslexia and woodworking. Woodworking is actually one of the careers that is recommended for dyslexic people. The only cons is when a woodworker is making a project out of instructions for dyslexia impairs a person's comprehension accuracy. Other than that I don't see any problem. Dyslexia cannot hinder woodworkers to produce quality work.

Yvonne,
Can you please provide a reference that indicates woodworking is recommended?

Dyslexia has different levels, from mild to severe. I am interested in hearing from a professional in this field about what level of dyslexia would find woodworking a good filed, and so on. That is why I want the reference for your statement. Thanks.

Dyslexics will often say the letters are moving or jumping on the page, and it is this that gives them the problems when reading. The use of coloured cellophane or acetate filters over the written work has been reported as solving the problem, but you need to check what colour filter is best. I kid yee not, my wife works with primary school children on this very matter. The first question she asks is what's their favourite colour? This is the colour of the last filter offered, because kids always choose their favourite colour, whether it works or not!