Best Assistive Technology for Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects an individual’s ability to read. People with dyslexia have trouble decoding or recognizing speech sounds and how those sounds relate to words and letters. This article explores assistive technology tools that help people with reading and learning difficulties live more independent and productive lives.
Best Assistive Technology for People with Dyslexia
In an increasingly digital world, assistive technology has become a powerful ally for individuals with dyslexia, offering innovative solutions to help overcome the unique challenges they face with reading, writing, and comprehension. From innovative apps and software to specialized e-readers and communication aids, we uncover the best assistive technologies that are making a profound difference in the lives of people with dyslexia, fostering greater accessibility, independence, and academic achievement.
Recording Devices
Recording devices or digital voice recorders help people with dyslexia take notes in meetings or classes. People with dyslexia can overcome slow writing barriers by using devices that record speech. These devices are also helpful for people with dyslexia who want to record their thoughts for later review.
Many voice recorders pair with speech-to-text software like Dragon NaturallySpeaking to efficiently transcribe recorded text. Popular recording tools and devices include AudioNote, LiveScribe Smartpen, Neo Pen, and Audio Notetaker.
Graphic Organizers
Learners with dyslexia often have difficulty organizing and planning their essays, stories, and large assignments. Graphic organizers or concept maps use visual symbols and text boxes to help users express thoughts, ideas, and knowledge. Graphic organizers can also make relationships between elements clear.
Popular tools include Kidspiration for K-5 learners, Connected Mind for mind mapping, Inspiration for brainstorming, and XMind for mind mapping which supports pictures and other attachments.
Reading Guides and Color Overlays
Learners with dyslexia can get overwhelmed by large blocks of text. They struggle to maintain focus and keep track of the text. Also, black and white color combinations don’t work well for some. Reading guides and color overlays are helpful features to overcome difficulties associated with dyslexia.
Popular software and devices include Beeline Reader, a free web tool to speed up reading, and colored glasses or lenses for comfortable contrast. Color overlays (which can be homemade) to change the background color of text are also widely used.
Note-Taking Apps
Note-taking is a challenging task for students with dyslexia. The process requires learners to simultaneously listen, process speech, and write notes. Even for students without dyslexia, this task often feels overwhelming.
Fortunately, note-taking apps can help speed up the process. Solutions like Evernote, Sonocent, Smartpen, and NoteTalker offer a combination of audio recording and note-taking tools where students can organize, replay, highlight, bookmark, organize headings, and more.
Word Prediction Apps and Spell Checkers
Spelling is often the most challenging language skill for learners with dyslexia to master. Struggling readers also have trouble finding words. Software like word prediction and spell checkers help overcome these difficulties.
Word prediction apps suggest to learners the next word they are likely to use based on what they have typed before. Spell checkers correct spelling mistakes. With these tools, learners can focus on expressing ideas instead of fussing over the spelling of words.
Popular word prediction apps include Read&Write for iPad, ClaroRead, and Co:Writer Universal, while spell checkers that can help with dyslexia include Grammarly, VeritySpell, and Read & Write.
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Scanners
Optical character recognition technology uses deep learning and artificial intelligence to recognize text in printed books, street signs, or other physical text. OCR scanners can convert any text into digital audio or text files.
These files can be used to highlight content, convert it to speech, change colors and fonts, add background colors, and more. Students often use OCR tools to help transfer notes to the computer without having to type them out word-for-word. Google Docs, Office Lens, and Online OCR are some of the best free OCR tools for students with dyslexia.
Speech-to-Text Tools
Speech-to-text uses voice recognition technology to translate spoken words into text. Students or writers with dyslexia can use speech-to-text tools to get their thoughts down on paper without worrying about spelling. Speech-to-text is an empowering tool, especially for young people who find it difficult to write simple words.
Co:Writer Universal is an excellent speech-to-text tool and one of the favorite picks for people with dyslexia. Other popular software includes TalkTyper, Mac Dictation, and Dragon NaturallySpeaking.
Text-to-Speech Tools
Text-to-speech (TTS) technology can be a significant game-changer for people with dyslexia. These programs can convert written text into spoken words, effectively bypassing the decoding and comprehension challenges that dyslexic individuals often encounter when reading. TTS software, such as Yomer or NaturalReader, offers a variety of voice and language options, making content more accessible and enjoyable. These programs often also include features to change reading speed and highlight words as they are read, further supporting comprehension and engagement.
Apple or Android Device Settings
Apple and Android mobile devices both have built-in accessibility features designed specifically to assist individuals with dyslexia and other learning differences. These features include text-to-speech and speech-to-text functionalities, which can make reading and writing easier for people with dyslexia. Additionally, these devices offer options to change background colors, increase contrast, and magnify text, which can improve readability for those with dyslexia. Furthermore, the option to turn on spelling suggestions or predictive text can further support their writing abilities.
Digital Scanning Pens
Digital scanning pens, such as the C-Pen Reader, Scanmarker Air, or Ectaco C-Pen, offer a handheld, portable device that can scan and read text aloud, which is of great help to individuals with dyslexia. These pens allow users to glide the device over a line of text, and the device will then convert the scanned text into speech. This immediate auditory feedback helps dyslexic individuals better understand written content. Additionally, most of these devices have built-in dictionaries and the ability to store scanned text for future reference.
Math Problem Solvers
Dyslexia often affects an individual’s ability to process and understand math problems, especially when they are presented in word problem format. Microsoft Math Solver is a tool that can help by allowing users to input math problems and providing step-by-step guidance on how to solve them. This tool can break down complex math concepts into simpler, more digestible parts, which can be highly beneficial for individuals with dyslexia.
Dyslexia Fonts
OpenDyslexic is a free font designed specifically for people with dyslexia. It installs as an extension for the Chrome browser and changes the font on web pages to the OpenDyslexic font. The font is designed to make reading easier for people with dyslexia by increasing the weight at the bottom of the characters and changing the spacing, which helps reduce their tendency to flip and swap letters. By using this extension, individuals with dyslexia can navigate and read online content more comfortably.
Audiobooks
Audiobooks can be a powerful tool for people with dyslexia because they offer an alternative to traditional reading that leverages the auditory strengths of many individuals with dyslexia. Listening to audiobook recordings allows dyslexic individuals to bypass the decoding process typically encountered in reading, while still being able to engage with and comprehend the content. Additionally, using audiobooks can increase vocabulary, comprehension, and listening skills.
Educational Programs
Several highly effective educational programs and approaches have been developed to help students with dyslexia. They focus on structured, multisensory, and phonics-based methods to improve reading, writing, and spelling skills. Here are some of the most well-known educational programs designed to support students with dyslexia:
- Orton-Gillingham Approach — This is a highly structured approach that breaks down reading and spelling into smaller skills involving letters and sounds, which are then gradually built upon over time. It is multisensory, meaning that teaching involves using visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic modalities to help students connect language with letters and words.
- Wilson Reading System — This is a 12-step remedial reading and writing program for students with dyslexia. It directly and systematically teaches students how to decode fluently and accurately. It is largely based on the principles of the Orton-Gillingham Approach.
- Lindamood-Bell Programs (LiPS, Visualizing and Verbalizing) — Lindamood-Bell programs are designed to develop the sensory-cognitive processes that underlie reading and comprehension. LiPS (Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing) focuses on developing phonemic awareness. Visualizing and Verbalizing develops concept imagery for reading and listening comprehension.
- Barton Reading & Spelling System — This is an Orton-Gillingham influenced program that is well-suited for students with dyslexia. It uses a one-on-one tutoring approach that is direct, explicit, multisensory, and sequential.
- Fast ForWord — This is a computer-based program that focuses on enhancing the cognitive skills essential for reading and learning, such as auditory processing, memory, attention, and sequencing.
- Kurzweil Education Systems — Kurzweil offers a suite of assistive technology products that can scan, read, and allow students to complete worksheets or tests on the computer.
- Yomer — The Ultimate Text-to-Speech Tool for Dyslexia
Yomer is the leading text-to-speech tool for learners and adults with dyslexia. It uses state-of-the-art AI, text-to-speech synthesis, and machine learning algorithms to read digital text aloud in a natural-sounding voice, supporting multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Russian, and more.
In fact, thanks to Yomer’s advanced text-to-speech and OCR technology, the platform can read aloud any physical or digital text, including handwritten notes, web pages, Microsoft Word files, emails, messages, and more.
The app is available for Apple iOS (iPhone and iPad), Android, Windows, and Mac operating systems. There is also a Google Chrome extension. Best of all, you can try out its powerful features for free on Yomer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are low-tech assistive technologies for dyslexia?
Low-tech devices usually don’t require training and are more affordable. Handheld magnifiers, colored overlays, reading rulers, highlighters, dictionary pens, slant boards, pencil grips, and thesauruses are popular low-tech assistive tools for dyslexia.
What are the most effective interventions for dyslexia?
Effective dyslexia intervention needs to be individualized to meet personal needs, multisensory to activate multiple parts of the brain, and structured to move progressively from simple to complex concepts. Direct phonics instruction and ongoing feedback are also part of effective interventions.
What are some of the best time management apps?
Some of the best time management apps include Toggl for comprehensive time tracking, Asana for project management, RescueTime for productivity insights, Forest for focused work sessions, and Google Calendar for scheduling and reminders.
Where can I find webinars about dyslexia?
Informative webinars about dyslexia can be found from the International Dyslexia Association.
Who can benefit from Yomer?
In addition to being effective for people with dyslexia, special education teachers and speech-language pathologists also use Yomer as a speech therapy tool to help people with a wide range of language difficulties.
