Colored

Overlays

A colored overlay
is a transparent
sheet/tool people
can place over
text to read more
easily. These can
be purchased or
made by hand.

Different types of
colored overlays
Full sheet
Smaller tool
With other material around it
or not

Steps to implement colored

overlays
Decide if this will be used for whole class or
specific students
Purchase or create colored overlay tool
Introduce and explain what colored overlays
are and why we are using them
Model how they are properly used
Check for understanding

Who can benefit from

colored overlays?

Students with reading disabilities

Students with ADHD
Students with Autism
Students with Dyslexia

ALL students can benefit from

colored overlays by keeping
everyone on the correct line in
a text and prevent students
from losing their place while
reading.

Why are colored

overlays beneficial?
They can be purchased or
created, making them easily
available
They are portable which
allows the tool to be used in
multiple classroom settings
When implemented properly,
colored overlays can assist
students who have
o a variety of disabilities
o attention issues
o trouble staying on
specific lines in text

References

Iovino, I., Fletcher, J., Breitmeyer, B., & Foorman, B. (1998). Colored overlays for visual perceptual
deficits in children with
reading disability and attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder: Are they differentially effective?
Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 20, 791-806.
Lightstone, A., Lightstone, T., & Wilkins, A. (1999). Both colored overlays and coloured lenses can
improve reading fluency,
but their optimal chromaticities differ. Ophthal. Physiol. Opt., 19, 279-285.
Ludlow, A., Wilkins, A., & Heaton, P. (2006). The effect of coloured overlays on reading ability in
children with autism.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 36, 507-516.