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What’s it like having dyslexia in prison?


According to The Shannon Trust, 50% of people in UK prisons can’t read, or struggle to. This includes neurodivergent individuals and ESOLs (English Speakers of Other Languages).


Having an unsupported reading need can lead to feelings of isolation and increase the risk of poorer mental health. But it goes deeper too— with low literacy, individuals may find it difficult to access the world around them.


Ultimately, this can result in two barriers forming: one that limits the ability to communicate, and another that has the potential to stop people in secure settings from being able to engage with learning opportunities that could change their lives.

Support dyslexia in a secure setting

Secure Reader 2 is safe to use within the prison estate due to its unique storage-free design. Standard risk assessments have also been carried out by the CQC, along with necessary security measures to ensure compliance.

Key security points:

  • Secure Reader 2 cannot backcharge mobile phones
  • Secure Reader 2 does not have removable batteries
  • Secure Reader 2 does not use Wi-Fi
  • Secure Reader 2 does not have built in memory or storage.
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Recidivism, Literacy and Prison


The goal is to reduce reoffending. When we improve literacy and support developing English language skills, we open doors and can empower learners to reach their full potential and take advantage of opportunities open to them upon release.


This could be employment, training or education: the building blocks of creating a positive change.

We’re with you every step of the way

We provide prisons and secure estates with three levels of in-person colleague training to ensure that you’re getting the most out of Secure Reader 2.

  • Implementation support — hints and tips on how to implement reading pens across the estate to promote a whole-prison approach.

  • Ambassador training — how to become a reading pen ambassador, and promote your commitment to inclusivity

  • Demo School training (CPD Accredited) — how to further strengthen your reading support strategy, improve outcomes for all, and deploy resources with maximum efficacy.

Our free device trials for prisons


We offer UK prisons the chance to try out our devices with a free trial. Discover how a pen scanner could revolutionise reading where you are.



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