Some Useful and Relevant Assistive Technology to Consider

The ‘Wheel of Apps’ is not comprehensive, but attempts to identify relevant, useful apps and categorize them according to difficulties faced by people with dyslexia. Note that some apps address a range of difficulties. To save space, we have not placed individual apps into multiple categories, but have listed them under a single category that is particularly relevant to the app. Links on the electronic version are ‘clickable’ and will take you to the Apple App store for the UK site, where you can find out more about the individual apps. Click here to view the Wheel of Apps PDF.

LDAPEI Note:

Although created in Scotland the apps may also be found on the North American AppStore and the Apps are downloadable to ‘phones. Similar apps are available on Android devices. Our recommendation is to show a student the apps in the relevant area of difficulty and let them explore to find the one they are most comfortable with. If they like an app they will probably use it consistently! Other assistive technology supports and additional direct support can be provided through the Neil Squire Society which has an office in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

For more information please visit: https://www.neilsquire.ca/contact-us/atlantic-regional-office/charlottetown-prince-edward-island/

 

Reading

Kurzweil 3000
Kurzweil 3000 is a text-to-speech and scanning program. It features a number of learning tools, such as highlighting and annotation, voice recording, audio file creation, audible dictionary and more.

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS WITH LD:

• Have the program read your writing back while editing
• Scan and listen to course readings and lecture notes
• Highlight important points to create reading reviews
• Create audio files from your course materials and listen on the go

 

Dragon Naturally Speaking
Dragon Naturally Speaking is a speech recognition program that transcribes verbal information. With above 97% accuracy, Dragon can be used with any word processing program, email, or web browser.

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS WITH LD:

• Express ideas verbally to help you with essay writing
• Record your research summaries away from the computer and have Dragon transcribe from the recording
• Use the text reading feature to listen for mistakes when editing your essays.

 

Read & Write by TextHELP
Read & Write is a text-to-speech program with GOLD edition adding the scanning and OCR functionality. Additional features include a dictionary, sound file maker, word prediction, pronunciation wizard, etc.

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS WITH LD:

• Have the program read your writing back while editing
• Scan and listen to course readings and lecture notes
• Create audio files from your course materials and listen on the go
• Collect summary information for reading reviews

 

Notetaking

Digital Recorder
Digital recorders allow for tape-free recording that can be transferred to computers in different audio formats. They offer features like folder management, index marking, mp3 playback, etc.

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS WITH LD:

• Record classes to supplement handwritten notes
• Use index marking to highlight important lecture points
• Get organized with voice memos and alarms
• Brainstorm ideas verbally and record research summaries away from the computer

 

AlphaSmart, Dana and Neo
AlphaSmart, Dana and Neo are word-processing keyboarding devices. AlphaSmart is a simple word processor with limited storage space. Dana builds on this functionality with palm operating system tools.

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS WITH LD:

• Take lecture notes and easily transfer them to the computer
• Organize your time with a palm calendar
• Create to-do lists and set reminder alarms
• Type assignments and summarize research on the go with the convenience of word processing features.

 

Organization and Planning

Personal Digital Assistants
PDAs are used for time management and organization. Higher-end, feature-rich devices are capable of word processing, sound recording, and wireless internet access.

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS WITH LD:

• Keep track of your deadlines with a calendar
• Plan required tasks with to-do lists and priorities
• Alarms help you keep all appointments on time
• Take notes in class with a portable keyboard
• Import electronic course readings, including PDF files

 

Inspiration
Inspiration allows users to plan and organize their ideas in visual form. Diagramming and outlining the workspace provide tools for brainstorming, concept mapping, comparative analysis, planning, and webbing.

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS WITH LD:

• Use diagrams to organize your essay structure and generate outlines
• Visually map difficult readings to see the big picture and how ideas relate
• Use the Rapid Fire feature to quickly brainstorm your ideas
• Organize your schedule and plan tasks in visual form

 

Adapted with permission from the Paul Menton Centre for Students with Disabilities (PMC) at Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario www.carleton.ca/pmc and the Centre for Students with Disabilities, Algonquin College, Ottawa, Ontario