Assistive Technology and Applications
International Dyslexia Association (IDA) iPad Apps for Literacy Instruction
Using iPads for literacy instruction opens up many stimulating opportunities. These tablet computers are portable, easy to use, and there are countless “educational” iPad applications, or apps, available. Finding high-quality apps, though, poses a daunting challenge not recommended for the faint-hearted. This search can take hundreds of hours and waste more than a few dollars.
It can be challenging to locate worthwhile apps that reinforce literacy instruction in phonological awareness, phonics (reading and spelling), vocabulary, morphology, text comprehension, and written expression. This article will help locate apps for teachers, parents, and students—apps that are fun, easy to use, and (don’t tell the kids!) educationally sound
Software and Assistive Technology
Today's technological age has brought forth a number of very good computer programs and tools to help individuals with:
Listening & speaking
Reading & spelling
Writing & organization
Apps for Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities
This page contains an extensive and meticulously organized list of apps that may be helpful to individuals with dyslexia, parents of dyslexics, or the professionals who work with dyslexics (teachers, tutors, reading specialists, etc.). We carefully consider each app before we add it, ensuring that it claims to help dyslexics in ways that are in line with the evidence on how to help dyslexics. In other words, we add apps that aid with the cognitive processes used in speaking, reading, spelling, and writing, but we do not add apps that are visual aids for reading, because evidence shows that dyslexia is not a visual disability.
Learning Ally – Together It’s Possible
Learning Ally is a national nonprofit with a defined approach to help support students with learning disabilities and their families.
Ginger Software Tools for Writing and Grammar
Ginger’s mission is to remove language barriers between people by enabling everyone to communicate in native-level English.
Ginger’s products reduce the stress associated with writing by ensuring grammatically perfect, typo-free text bursting with expression and meaning - exactly what you need to help you get your intended message across!
Marianne Sunderland Best Dyslexia Apps – Middle School, High School, and Beyond
Having home schooled dyslexic kids for the past 20 years, I have a unique appreciation for the plethora of handy new technology that is available today to help my kids who learn differently. I long thought of technology as a crutch, but now think of it as the way of the future and we are enjoying many of its benefits. There are many great apps for teaching reading readiness, phonemic awareness and multi-sensory phonics instruction for younger, budding readers. I am still gathering a list of our favorites and will post that when I have finished.
Today I am focusing on the older kids. The kids who need these tools to help them be organized and efficient as they head into the ‘real’ world and away from textbooks, class assignments and the like.