Technology for most of us is convenience, for those with disabilities, it makes things possible. Access to technology is a game-changer for managing dyslexia.
There are so many great technologies we can use and teach our children to use to support them with their dyslexia. Luckily we live in a time when a lot of tools are just integrated into platforms we are already using. We just need to learn how to turn on the accessibility features and get used to them. For example, the easiest thing we can teach our children to use is the speak button to read the highlighted text. Once, you’ve selected text a speak button should pop in the list of commands along with copy, cut, etc. Also, for Apple products, you can swipe down from the top with two fingers and read the entire page. For changing the speed and voice character (in Apple) to your child’s preference, go to Settings => Accessibility => Spoken Content. If you don’t have the speak button appearing when you highlight text, make sure it’s toggled on in this screen as well. You can adjust voices and speed until your heart’s content. There a few voices that come pre-installed and a few more you can download. Try to use an enhanced voice because they sound more natural and will be easier for your child to understand. I prefer Susan, my son prefers Alex. Play around with them until you find one that suits you/your child. I’m sure a similar option is available for Android, I’m just not familiar with accessing them. Using voice assistants like Siri are so helpful for our kiddos. To help them with organization and time management, teach them to add reminders, timers, and events to calendars through Siri.
Here’s a list of technology and apps that I’ve personally used and you are probably already using too. It’s just thinking about them in a way that can support our children using them for academic purposes. Obviously, there are tons of other resources out there, but this will get you started. I’m sure I’ll be adding to my list as my son gets older and we get into more complex school work.
Grammarly
What a lifesaver! This is a plugin you can install on your web browser that automatically checks your spelling and grammar while you type. Think emails, social media, google docs, basically anywhere you are writing on your browser. We all need this, not just those who struggle with literacy. There is a free version and a paid version which checks more complex grammar.
Libby App
This is an app that using your library card gives you access to free audiobooks. You check out the audiobooks on the app and return them like you would any other library book. A great resource for those who are budget conscious and like to listen once. Note that some of the audio voices are better than others, which of course impacts the experience.
EPIC!
This is an amazing app that has over 20,000 book titles. It’s kind of like a Netflix for children’s books. I actually used this app to read bedtime stories to the kids long before I knew we’d need it as assistive technology. There are read to me books, audiobooks, digital books (no audio), videos, graphic novels, and quizzes for comprehension. This app is geared towards children ages 2-12. There are books in 4 different languages English, Spanish, French and Chinese. You can have up to four different profiles for your children, saving their interests, reading level, and even give them reading assignments. In the parent dashboard, you are able to see which books they’ve read and how much time they’ve had in the app. It truly is a treasure trove of books for children. This app costs $7.99 a month for unlimited access to their library.
Audible
Amazon’s audiobook marketplace naturally offers a huge selection. With their audible membership, you pay $14.95 a month for a credit and two free audible original books. Audible is geared more toward teens and adults but there are a variety of children’s chapter books.
Notabilty
This is a notetaking and dictation app. There is the ability to record lectures and write or type notes while recording. This helps take the pressure off getting every word and the child can focus on key pieces or even do a mind map connecting points. Other documents, like homework, can be imported or scanned in as well. Then the student can type their answers directly on the worksheet and print. This can help relieve the slow writing and spelling pressure points during the homework process. This app is $9.99 and can sync to the cloud so you always have your notes no matter what device you are on.
Evernote
Very similar in functionality to Notability with dication and notetaking. I think it’s a little more difficult to navigate for younger kiddos and doesn’t have the option to add text and print from a scanned worksheet.
Endless Reader
Geared towards early elementary, this app focuses on a fun way of presenting sight words and phonics. There are cute and fun monsters as characters who help keep the child engaged. It is one of those apps the kids don’t really realize how much they are learning. Again, this was something I bought as an early literacy tool and continue using it because it’s fun and helpful. There are some free words included with the app. Then you can purchase levels that expand to all the sight words.
Endless Wordplay
Created by the same developers as Endless Reader and takes that app one step further into creating words and using word blends like ‘et’. It is set up like a journey and the children build more complex words as the robot makes his way. The character gives a word, spits out the letters and the child needs to put it back in place. The first word, the outline of all the letters is there, the second time just the consonate, last time there are no hints. Like Endless Reader, you have a few free words and can purchase the expanded word list. I think both of these apps are great and worth the price. There is also a number based app Endless Numbers, if you and your child like these, I’d suggest that one as well.
Writing Wizard
This app helps young children with tracing their letters. Huge help for students with dysgraphia! I suggest using a stylus pen so the child can still have the feel of a writing utensil in their hand, hopefully helping to make that muscle memory. Students start with tracing a letter a few times and then write it free form. Students can trace print or cursive letters. Geared towards students in lower elementary.
I realize I didn’t even graze the surface of the technology and apps available to support dyslexia. These are just a list of what is on my phone/computer right now to support learning and information gathering for my kiddos. I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it, the access to technology is a game-changer for students with dyslexia. The most helpful technology comes standard with the devices we use every day. That’s truly amazing! For a few extra dollars, we can make learning accessible and fun. Allowing our children access to these standard features and apps like Notability, we ease the burden of getting their thoughts out without being blocked by handwriting, grammar, and spelling. Teach your children to type as early as seems reasonable, kindergarten and first grade is a great time to start. Not only will they think it’s so grown-up and fun, but it will also greatly increase their ability to keep up in the classroom.
It is hard having dyslexia. Our job as parents is to help them have access to learning in the most appropriate way possible. We have all of this technology available to us. Fostering independence and self-reliance through mastering technology is crucial for your child’s self-esteem. I’d love to hear from you and what you are using with your child. I always love recommendations.
