Date
16 March 2024

Make effective use of technologies to support access

Accessibility and literacy support tools, such as text-to-speech, support successful participation in learning. Ensure all students know how to use them effectively.

Coach writers using collaborative tools

Coach writers using collaborative tools

Sandra Gillies shares how she utilises collaborative tools to support students with dyslexia to expand and organise their writing.

Make accessibility tools available to all

Make accessibility tools available to all

Introduce all students to free or inexpensive tools that can remove barriers and provide support for literacy learning.
  • Text-to-speech (TTS) software converts text from a website or digital document into speech by reading written information aloud. It is often highlighted with word tracking.

– TTS on Mac operating systems
– Natural Reader
– Read and Write for Google Chrome

  • Word prediction software predicts a required word as a student writes, producing a list of words. Explore LetMeType.
  • Explore Mercury Reader or use the Reader function on Mac operating systems to access clutter-free web pages.
  • Spell and contextual grammar checkers. Explore Ginger for Chrome.
  • Closed Captions (subtitles). Turn them on when sharing videos with students.

Offer text-to-speech tools

Offer text-to-speech tools

Kit Hard demonstrates the value of text-to-speech tools. He illustrates how to use them on an iPad.

Provide audio supports

Provide audio supports

For efficient user-paced multimedia learning, provide children with dyslexia information in an auditory way or with auditory support.

Carolien Knoop‐van Campen, Eliane Segers, and Ludo Verhoeven

Use tools and apps with built-in supports

Use tools and apps with built-in supports

Model how to use text-to-speech, dictation, glossaries, and highlighters.

Useful resources

Useful resources

Website

Technology tools for learning

Strategies and approaches for using technologies to provide inclusive and personalised learning pathways.

Publisher: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga

Visit website

Website

Free online assistive technology tools to help with reading, writing and math

Read time: 10 min

Digital tools to assist children with learning and attention issues.

Publisher: Understood

Visit website

Website

Technology tools for learning

Strategies and approaches for using technologies to provide inclusive and personalised learning pathways.

Publisher: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga

Visit website

Next steps

Return to the guide “Dyslexia and learning”

Guide to Index of the guide: Dyslexia and learning

Strategies for action:

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