Dyslexia is a condition in which a person has trouble processing letters, symbols, and words and can impair their ability to read. Studies show that dyslexia is a byproduct of how the brain processes information, according to the medical information site Kids Health, operated by Nemours. People with dyslexia actually use different parts of their brains when trying to read compared to people without dyslexia, and these parts work less efficiently.
Contrary to popular belief, people with dyslexia do not always look backwards at words and letters. One of the more common problems experienced by people with dyslexia is the inability to recognize phonemes, the basic sounds of speech. As a result, combining letter sounds to form words can be difficult for people with dyslexia.
With the widespread use of technology in homes and schools, assistive devices and apps can help change the game for dyslexic children and adults. Through its school dyslexia study, the organization Dyslexia Advantage found that denial of assistive technology in American schools continues to be a major problem. You reported that you were not offered text or technology support.
Assistive technologies can help people with dyslexia save considerable time and overcome challenges. People with dyslexia who choose to use assistive technology may find that they are better able to use their intelligence and potential. Below are some of the tools that can be assets.
· Speech Recognition Software: Allows users to dictate into the device and have their voice converted to text. Those who use spelling or handwriting may find this dramatically helpful in written communication.
· Text-to-speech software: This is essentially the opposite of speech recognition software. The text is converted to audible speech and spoken words to the end user. This helps individuals understand written material and check their own work.
· Spell checkers: Some spell check programs are designed specifically for dyslexia, looking for common errors and replacing them automatically.
· Computer-based learning programs: These platforms are designed and created for dyslexia. They help improve literacy, numeracy, and touch-typing skills, the Dyslexia Association provides.
· Smartpens: Livescribe smartpens take pictures of notes written on special paper. It also has a built-in microphone so users can record what they say in a classroom or meeting setting.
· Digital/Audio Books: Various providers offer online libraries of digital or audio books to help people with reading or printing disabilities.
· Specialty fonts: There is some evidence that using certain fonts makes it easier for people with dyslexia to decipher words and letters. According to Dyslexic Advantage, useful fonts include Dyslexie, OpenDyslexic, and Comic Sans.
Helping people with dyslexia requires the use of a variety of assistive technologies available today.
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