Assistive Technology
Dyslexia.AI
Teaching reading and writing to students with special needs requires personalized tools and strategies. Modern technologies, like Dyslexia.AI, offer support for learners facing challenges.
Using Dyslexia.AI
Dyslexia.AI is an AI-powered tool that assists students with dyslexia in improving reading comprehension and writing. It provides customized suggestions, text modifications, and exercises.
Step-by-Step Guide for Dyslexia.AI
Create an Account: Visit Dyslexia.AI, and sign up for a teacher or parent account to manage multiple users.
Input Reading Material: Upload or type the text you want the student to read. Dyslexia.AI reformats it for better readability, adjusting font size, spacing, and background color.
Enable Speech-to-Text Features: Activate text-to-speech so students can listen to the text while reading, helping with word recognition and auditory learning.
Break Down Writing Tasks: Use guided prompts to help students structure their writing. The tool may suggest starting with a topic sentence or using descriptive words.
Monitor Progress: Review reports that track improvements in reading speed, comprehension, and writing accuracy.
Use Gamification: Engage students with interactive spelling and grammar games based on their reading level.
Example Activity
Upload a short story, adjust the text for dyslexia-friendly readability, and have students listen while following along. Follow this with comprehension questions generated by Dyslexia.AI.
NaturalReader
NaturalReader is a text-to-speech tool that helps with reading comprehension and pronunciation by converting written text into spoken words. It supports multiple languages and document formats, making it useful for students, learners, and anyone needing assistance with reading.
How to Use NaturalReader
Download
On Desktop: Go to the NaturalReader website and download the software for Windows or macOS.
On Mobile: Search for NaturalReader in the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android) and download the app.
Install: Open the downloaded file on your computer or mobile device and follow the installation instructions.
Upload Text
On Desktop: Open the app, drag and drop a document (e.g., PDF, Word) or paste text into the interface.
On Mobile: Tap the Import or Add button to upload a file, or paste text directly into the app.
Select Voice: Choose from various voices and languages within the app settings. You can select the speed and tone for better understanding.
Play: Press the Play button to hear the text read aloud. You can pause, skip, or adjust the speed as needed.
How NaturalReader helps with reading and writing
Improving Reading Comprehension: NaturalReader converts text to speech, helping learners understand and remember content, especially for those with reading difficulties or visual impairments.
Enhancing Pronunciation: Hearing words spoken aloud helps users learn correct pronunciation, improving their speaking skills and confidence when reading out loud.
Supporting Writing: When writing, users can listen to their work to check for errors, flow, and clarity. This auditory feedback helps improve the writing process and ensures the text sounds natural.
Multitasking: It allows users to listen to content while doing other tasks, helping learners absorb more information and improve reading habits.
Assistive Technology
Voice Dream Reader
A text-to-speech app designed to assist individuals with visual impairments or learning difficulties by converting written text into audio.
How to Use:
Download the App
Visit the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and search for Voice Dream Reader to download.
Upload Documents or Paste Text
- Open the app and tap the “+” button to add content.
- Upload documents (PDF, Word, ePub) or paste text.
- Sync with cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox for easy access to files.
Customize Playback
- Choose a voice from the app’s library of natural-sounding options.
- Adjust playback speed, pitch, and pronunciation to suit the learner’s needs.
Listen and Read Along
- Have the learner listen to the text while following along on the screen.
- The text is highlighted to sync with the audio for better engagement.
Annotate and Review
- Use tools to highlight key sections or add notes.
- Check notes to help understand.
Assistive Technology
Dyslexia Quest
This app provides interactive exercises to improve cognitive skills for individuals with dyslexia, focusing on literacy development.
The app has a free version with limited games and a paid version for full access
How to Use
i. Download the App
Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
Search for Dyslexia Quest and download the app.
ii. Set Up the App
Open the app and create a user profile if needed.
Allow permissions for audio and app functions.
iii. Choose a Game
Pick from various games focused on literacy and memory.
Examples of exercises
- Phoneme Matching: Match sounds with letters to improve phonological awareness.
- Memory Match: Practice memory by matching words and images.
- Word Builder: Build words by connecting letters, and improving spelling and decoding skills.
iv. Play the Games
Encourage the learner to participate actively.
The app adapts to the learner’s progress and gives feedback.
v. Track Progress
Use the app’s tracking features to monitor improvements and identify areas needing attention.
vi. Integrate into Learning
Use the app exercises along with other reading and writing tasks to strengthen literacy skills.