OTHER TYPES OF TECHNOLOGY THAT CAN HELP
Audio Recording
This type of program provides a quick way to take notes, reminders or record phone calls or meetings. A feature of the software is a visual representation of an audio file.
When you are finished recording, this program will show the user the natural pauses in the audio file. This software breaks down the file based on these pauses making it easier for the user to navigate from one section to another or insert text or images in specific parts of the audio file.
Touch Typing Tutors
Dyslexia and writing difficulty are often combined. Touch typing tutors are applications designed to help a user master this skill.
These devices tend to improve the spelling of those with dyslexia because he can associate the spelling of a word with a typing pattern on the keyboard. So when he types an actual document, he can simply recall the specific typing patterns to ensure the correctness of the spelling.
Additionally, touch typing tutors have written and spoken instructions to ensure that users can properly follow the lessons.
Spell Checkers
We’ve all at one time or other have tried using the spell checker feature in our word documents. While this feature can be useful, it can only correct the misspelled word if it is very close to the actual word.
Spell checkers for people with dyslexia can provide suggestions to a misspelled word based on the context of its sentence or the words nearest to it. This type of spell checker can therefore correct a word although it may have been spelled very differently from the actual intended word.
A text to speech feature lets the user hear what is written in the document. This gives the user the opportunity to make further corrections.
Scanning Pens
Portable devices which people with dyslexia can use to assist them in reading text or reading words within the text that they can't figure out. The user simply needs to point the scanning pen on a particular word and the pen’s speech synthesizer speaks it.
Some of these types of devices have built-in dictionaries that can speak the definition of a scanned word. The pen comes with earbuds, but there is a learning curve. One must practice with it to gain mastery. These pens are designed for school age students and adults. When selecting a pen be sure to choose the advanced model.
This device gives people with dyslexia the ability to understand printed text regardless of where they are.
Mind Mapping Software
Mind mapping software allows users to process information by creating images, concepts and diagrams. it is a perfect tool for someone who prefers visual representation of their ideas.
Mind mapping software gives people with dyslexia the ability to identify ideas represented by graphics. This ability helps users to create relationships, using lines or other visual elements, between these ideas to complete the diagram.
This program allows people with dyslexia to not only form concepts, but it frees them from having to write down their ideas making it possible for them to share these ideas with others and visually explain how they work.
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