Coloured Overlays

Research by Professor Arnold Wilkins and his associates has shown that coloured overlays reduce the symptoms of visual stress and increase reading fluency in about 20% of school children. In 5% of children the increase in speed with overlays is greater than 25%.

Overlay testing kits for determining which colour of overlay would be most suitable for the child are available. These comprise several sheets of acetate of different colours, which are placed over a page of text. In a straightforward testing procedure, pairs of colours are compared successively, the child being asked to judge which colour makes the text easiest to read. The Wilkins Rate of Reading Test can then be used to measure the amount of improvement in reading efficiency brought about by using the chosen colour. Overlay testing kits, overlay sheets for regular use, and copies of the Wilkins Rate of Reading Test can be obtained from I.O.O. Sales Ltd or Cerium Visual Technologies (addresses below). Please note that Lucid has no commercial links with IOO Sales Ltd or Cerium Visual Technologies.

I.O.O. Sales Ltd
56-62 Newington Causeway
London
SE1 6DS
England
Telephone: (+44) (0) 20 7378 0330
Facsimile: (+44) (0) 20 7403 8007
Email:
http://www.ioosales.co.uk/html/education/edu01D.html

Cerium Visual Technologies
Cerium Technology Park
Tenterden
Kent
TN30 7DE
England
Tel: (+44) 1580 765211
Fax: (+44) 1580 765573
E-mail:
http://www.ceriumvistech.co.uk/Overlays.htm