Assistive Technology Guide

By Jim Sandstrum, MA CCC-SLP, Assistive Technology Partners, University of Colorado, Denver

There are many assistive technologies to incorporate into learning, life activities, and work that can make things a bit easier who have dyslexia. Each Colorado School District has an Assistive Technology Assessment Team (ATAT) that parents can request an ATAT evaluation as part of or during the IEP process to get their child evaluated for devices that could be beneficial and provided at no cost to the student.

Reading

The Big Three Multi-Purpose Products

Dedicated Reading Software

Free Alternatives

  • Natural Reader (Free version)
  • Click, Speak
  • Dictionary ToolTip
  • TidyRead
  • DIIGO
  • ePub Reader & Daisy Reader
  • Word Talk / PowerTalk

Reading Devices

  • Victor Reader Wave $259
  • Classmate Reader $499
  • Intel Reader $1495
  • Commercial Readers:  From $229 iPod/iPad, Kindles, and more
  • iPod/iPad with Blio and InDaisy becomes a very powerful reader.

Sources for free eBooks

Getting books and textbooks in Alternative Formats (IDEA):

Writing

Speech Recognition

  • Windows Vista/7 Speech Recognition – PC Free
  • Dragon Naturally Speaking – PC $99 -$199
  • SpeakQ – PC $99 (requires WordQ)
  • MacSpeech Dictate – Mac $199

Spell Checkers for very atypical spellers:

  • Ginger Software – PC $66
  • Ghotit – PC $15
  • Franklin Language Master, Spelling Ace, Homework Wiz, etc…. from $49-$399
  • Google Search Suggestions

Word Prediction

Graphic Organizers

Notetaking

Resources