Blind and Visually Impaired Community
↑
14
↓
Can anyone relate to this? Is this a blindness thing or a blindness plus a learning disability thing? (self.Blind)
submitted by [deleted]
Definitely not asking for medical advice but wondering if anyone is like me. Here and can relate. It’s not a huge issue but would like to understand.
I am a slow reader. I know sighted people can read an entire book in one day if it’s small. Maybe a hundred or 200 pages? I know blindness makes it slower sure.
My rate though is maybe 60 to 70 pages a day? I take about 10 minutes a page if not 15 minutes. I went to the braille challenge as a kid. My favorite memory was when we did this reading task I was still there reading when everyone had left. And they were like. “Okay I think you’re done.” But wait…. I am not finished yet. I was in the room still reading not answered any of the questions yet.
It’s similar today.
And I know some say well maybe reading braille isn’t your thing. Well. No…. Audio is worse, I just dont process any of it. I hear words but if you want me to understand it I don’t. Often when people read stuff to me I tell them to repeat or say it again or read it and sometimes it’s many times. I dislike readers for that reason and don’t like in school for tests to be done verbally.
So it’s braille and I understand very well but at a cost of reading a page for 10 to 15 minutes. I try reading faster and aloud but I also don’t get anything out of it, or very little. If I read something to someone I either have to go back or need to have previously read it.
After two textbook chapters maybe 20 to 30 pages each I am done for the day. I just collapse on the recliner and fall asleep. Hahaha!
Anyone relate, know what’s up?
I am a slow reader. I know sighted people can read an entire book in one day if it’s small. Maybe a hundred or 200 pages? I know blindness makes it slower sure.
My rate though is maybe 60 to 70 pages a day? I take about 10 minutes a page if not 15 minutes. I went to the braille challenge as a kid. My favorite memory was when we did this reading task I was still there reading when everyone had left. And they were like. “Okay I think you’re done.” But wait…. I am not finished yet. I was in the room still reading not answered any of the questions yet.
It’s similar today.
And I know some say well maybe reading braille isn’t your thing. Well. No…. Audio is worse, I just dont process any of it. I hear words but if you want me to understand it I don’t. Often when people read stuff to me I tell them to repeat or say it again or read it and sometimes it’s many times. I dislike readers for that reason and don’t like in school for tests to be done verbally.
So it’s braille and I understand very well but at a cost of reading a page for 10 to 15 minutes. I try reading faster and aloud but I also don’t get anything out of it, or very little. If I read something to someone I either have to go back or need to have previously read it.
After two textbook chapters maybe 20 to 30 pages each I am done for the day. I just collapse on the recliner and fall asleep. Hahaha!
Anyone relate, know what’s up?
nlocke15 6 points 1y ago
Are you retaining the info? Because in the end that's all that matters. People can read books really fast but they also can forget them just as quickly. I feel you will get more benefit from really reading the book and understanding it, rather than focusing on how fast you can read.
Its normal to be fatigued from a text book trying to remember all those facts takes a toll on your brain power.
Its normal to be fatigued from a text book trying to remember all those facts takes a toll on your brain power.
yanzov 3 points 1y ago
I know people bragging how many books they read and how fast they can do it - and guess what - most of them don't remember a thing after they're done.
I can read VERY fast, but processing it takes me A LOT of time. I remember reading the Lord of the Rings as a child - it took me weeks. But I can't imagine it other way - enjoyment was enormous, I was staying late to read it and it still was a neverending book.
Not to mention textbooks - I don't think there is a time limit for reading unless you're making a competition out of it.
I can read VERY fast, but processing it takes me A LOT of time. I remember reading the Lord of the Rings as a child - it took me weeks. But I can't imagine it other way - enjoyment was enormous, I was staying late to read it and it still was a neverending book.
Not to mention textbooks - I don't think there is a time limit for reading unless you're making a competition out of it.
Only1lunatica 3 points 1y ago
everyone reads at a different tempo and it's a task that both require relaxation and concentration. if you have a sight disability you might be able to get some compensation doing tests (at least the important ones) and get extra time because it takes you more time.
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
I am.it’s just the speed. I am extra slow haha!
Only1lunatica 1 points 1y ago
have you tried larger text ?
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
It wouldn’t help. i am a totally blind person.
FencingJester 3 points 1y ago
It's often easier to compare words per minute, so you may try setting a timer and reading for a minute, then counting how many words it was. Do this three times and take the average. Try to use material you're not super familiar with.
Does your speed increase when you read lower level material like 3rd grade chapter books?
Does your speed increase when you read lower level material like 3rd grade chapter books?
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
Yes it does. Or simpler things.
FencingJester 1 points 1y ago
Then practice may see you continue to improve speed. If you have good retention that's what really counts. Plenty of sighted people never read more than 100wpm.
Drills could help: reread the same one page passage multiple times, increasing speed and fluency until you hit a rate you want.
I know you said you don't take in audio, but you could try running an audio track while reading along with the braille. This can assist in speed and fluency.
Are you using two hands? Often transitions from line to line can cause issues with speed as well.
Drills could help: reread the same one page passage multiple times, increasing speed and fluency until you hit a rate you want.
I know you said you don't take in audio, but you could try running an audio track while reading along with the braille. This can assist in speed and fluency.
Are you using two hands? Often transitions from line to line can cause issues with speed as well.
Zaxzia 1 points 1y ago
The drills idea is a good idea. Heard what I'd do.
Pick a page or passage of reasonable length from something you like, time yourself reading this and this the time when for put the time away and just reread it several times trying to speed up but still keeping the contents in your head. After several times, stop and go about your day.
The next day pick a new passage and repeat the process.
The third day go back to passage one, and time yourself. Then repeat day 1.
On day 4 do the same as day 3, just with passage 2.
Your speed should slowly speed up over time. Alternating passages should help prevent you from memorizing it. But if you do memorize one, just replace it with a new passage. And have fun. Read things you enjoy. Books on accounting or something aren't going to be very inspiring, unless that's your thing, in which case no judgement!
Pick a page or passage of reasonable length from something you like, time yourself reading this and this the time when for put the time away and just reread it several times trying to speed up but still keeping the contents in your head. After several times, stop and go about your day.
The next day pick a new passage and repeat the process.
The third day go back to passage one, and time yourself. Then repeat day 1.
On day 4 do the same as day 3, just with passage 2.
Your speed should slowly speed up over time. Alternating passages should help prevent you from memorizing it. But if you do memorize one, just replace it with a new passage. And have fun. Read things you enjoy. Books on accounting or something aren't going to be very inspiring, unless that's your thing, in which case no judgement!
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
I have been reading braille for a very long time it’s sufficient practice. I do it many hours a day. the audio track would read to fast for me, and yes i am using two hands
Badassmotherfuckerer 2 points 1y ago
I was diagnosed with ADD about 10 years ago after dealing with a lot of difficulties throughout school and that diagnosis and treatment was a game changer, no joke. I experience a lot of the issues with people reading things to me like you described. When a friend will read a menu to me let’s say, they’ll have to read something multiple times because I just space out sometimes haha. It happens all the time reading random things on my phone, iI’ll have to read a paragraph like 5 different times because I keep losing focus during it. Not sure if that’s what you have or giving medical advice, that’s just my experience.
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
I am starting to think it could be that or when reading I make sure I paraphrase everything or else it disappears. or read and process. if not, it’s like what did I read. I am better off reading blah blah blah blah blah blah blah!
Zaxzia 1 points 1y ago
I don't read braille(yet, I plan on learning). However I have sensory processing disorder and various vision problems. Despite that I read standard books. I LOVE reading. I read at about half the speed of everyone else because I reread the same lines 3 times or more. This is automatic, I don't even know I'm doing it. We were always taught that if you have trouble retaining it, then you should read it out loud, but I'm like you, it just flows out of my brain like water. I could read a whole chapter out loud and probably not be able to list any characters, places or plots (unless it was something I had trouble reading/saying).
I am curious as to how you process the information you read. I'm still sighted, and highly visual, so when I read, it creates movies and images in my head. I don't remember any of the words I've read, I remember the images they conjured. I'm assuming it would be a similar experience for someone with no sight, simply using the senses they are most accustomed to. There is a subset of people who do not create these sensoral images, but I can't remember the name for it. I imagine retention would be significant harder in cases like that.
I am curious as to how you process the information you read. I'm still sighted, and highly visual, so when I read, it creates movies and images in my head. I don't remember any of the words I've read, I remember the images they conjured. I'm assuming it would be a similar experience for someone with no sight, simply using the senses they are most accustomed to. There is a subset of people who do not create these sensoral images, but I can't remember the name for it. I imagine retention would be significant harder in cases like that.
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
Sometimes but mostly a story I’d be there personally but mostly it’s more words and stuff for me especially nonfiction. And maybe that’s it that’s why it is harder.
And yeah, that’s interesting if I read it out loud I wouldn’t even know what I am reading.
And yeah, that’s interesting if I read it out loud I wouldn’t even know what I am reading.
Ok_Palpitation_8428 1 points 1y ago
I am not sure, I had similar experiences my whole life and assumed it was due to blindness. It was not until I met other blind people that I realized how slow I am. I was diagnosed recently with Autism, they told me in the evaluation that my processing speed was incredibly slow, but it had probably been partially masked by a large working memory, which is why I did not get diagnosed at a regular age. It could be just that your processing speed is slow? My sister does not have Autism, but she also had neurological testing when she was young, and they told her this I think.
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
Interesting thanks.
ukifrit 1 points 1y ago
You just read slower. It might be more common than we think.
idiotracist 1 points 1y ago
Sighted ADHD person here. I frequently zone out while reading and won’t remember the last few Paragraphs so have to re-read them (potentially multiple times). If I read way slower I generally have to do this less often. Not sure if my experience helps you at all but figured it could provide some data.
LearyTraveler 1 points 1y ago
This is very very common for people with adhd as well as auditory processing disorders. Getting a diagnosis can be life changing because it will help you understand how your brain works best. There are a few reading comprehension/retention strategies you can try to see if they make a difference, it might help you understand if it's a focus issue, auditory issue, or a memory issue.
1. Experiment with reading out loud or moving your mouth as you read
2. Try reading using the pomodoro method
3. Pause between sections and try the following:
- Anchor old information to new information – what does this remind you of?
- Summarize information that you just read out loud
If it's an executive function issue I would also recommend not pushing yourself too hard. Once you reach cognitive overload, take a break instead of brute forcing your way through it.
1. Experiment with reading out loud or moving your mouth as you read
2. Try reading using the pomodoro method
3. Pause between sections and try the following:
- Anchor old information to new information – what does this remind you of?
- Summarize information that you just read out loud
If it's an executive function issue I would also recommend not pushing yourself too hard. Once you reach cognitive overload, take a break instead of brute forcing your way through it.
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
I should it’s mostly managed I just don’t know why. I have it mostly down. It just takes me forever or usually long to read a passage.
This nonprofit website is run by volunteers.
Please contribute if you can. Thank you!
Our mission is to provide everyone with access to large-
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
©2023 HumbleCat Inc • HumbleCat is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Michigan, USA.