Adam Dance column: Let's back better support for reading

Schools across our area mark the occasion with costumes, storytelling, and activities that encourage children to discover the joy of books.

But for some children and adults, reading is not always straightforward.

I know that from personal experience.

I live with severe dyslexia and ADHD, and reading traditional text can sometimes be difficult.

Yet that does not mean people with dyslexia love stories any less, or are any less curious about the world.

The key is making reading accessible.

Assistive technology has transformed the way many neurodivergent people learn and access information.

Audiobooks, speech-to-text tools, and accessible reading formats can make an enormous difference.

Instead of struggling with the mechanics of reading, people can focus on understanding ideas, enjoying stories, and building knowledge.

That is why I recently raised the importance of assistive technology for dyslexic pupils in Parliament during a debate about screen use and children’s development.

At present, only around 18 per cent of dyslexic people have access to assistive technology in education.

That simply is not good enough.

We need to make sure schools have the tools and training needed to support neurodivergent learners properly.

Alongside schools, libraries also play a crucial role.

Somerset Council has developed the Somerset Neurodiversity Collection, which is available through local libraries across the county.

This collection includes books and resources specifically designed to support people with neurodivergent conditions such as dyslexia, ADHD, and autism.

Libraries also provide a wide range of accessible options, including audiobooks and large print titles across many genres.

For many people, these resources can be life-changing.

They help people who may have struggled with traditional reading formats reconnect with books and learning in a way that works for them.

Libraries are about far more than shelves of books.

They are places where people of all ages can access knowledge, support, and opportunity.

Ensuring that reading is accessible to everyone is incredibly important, not just for education but for confidence and wellbeing.

World Book Day reminds us how powerful stories can be.

Our job is to make sure everyone has the chance to experience them.

And thanks to the work being done in Somerset’s libraries, we are making real progress in doing just that.