Best Assistive Technology for Dyslexia: Tools That Actually Help Kids Learn
- Marilyn Vrountas
- Aug 29, 2024
- 9 min read
Updated: Mar 27
Does your child work twice as hard as their classmates but still struggle to keep up with reading or writing? Children with dyslexia don't fall behind because they aren't trying. They fall behind because their brains process written language differently, and most classrooms aren't built with that in mind. Assistive technology for children with dyslexia bridges that gap, giving your child a way to access learning that actually works for how they think.
Assistive technology doesn't replace good instruction. But it removes the barriers that get in the way of learning, letting your child focus on understanding and participating instead of getting stuck on decoding words or forming sentences.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the best assistive technology tools for dyslexia, broken down by category, with honest notes on what each tool does best, so you can find the right fit for your child.
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects how children process language, making it more challenging for them to read, write, and spell than for their peers. For children with dyslexia, conventional teaching approaches, such as reading from a textbook or writing lengthy essays, can sometimes feel overwhelming and frustrating, leading to struggles in the classroom.
One of the most effective ways to break down learning barriers and help children feel more confident and independent in the classroom is through the use of assistive technology. Assistive technology tools are tools specifically designed to support the unique needs of children with dyslexia, allowing them to access information, complete assignments, and participate fully in lessons in a way that works best for them. In the next section, we’ll explore how assistive technology can make a real difference in supporting your child’s learning experience, helping them thrive both academically and emotionally.
How Assistive Technology Supports
Children with Dyslexia
Assistive technology refers to various tools and resources designed to help children with dyslexia and other learning challenges overcome barriers related to reading, writing, and even organization. These tools allow students to engage with schoolwork in a way that suits their individual learning style. Whether listening to a book instead of reading it or using voice-to-text software to turn spoken words into written text, assistive technology allows students to access information and express themselves in ways that reduce frustration and boost confidence.
By using these tools, children can keep up with their classmates, participate more fully in class activities, and approach schoolwork without feeling stuck or overwhelmed. In the next section, we'll introduce five types of assistive technology tools that have been shown to work particularly well for students with dyslexia. We’ve also included links to popular options for each type of tool to make things easier for you. (Please note: we don’t earn any money from these links—they’re just here to help!)
Top 5 Types of Assistive Technology Tools for Dyslexia
1. Text-to-Speech Software
Why It Works: Text-to-speech (TTS) software reads text aloud to your child, helping them follow along and understand what they’re reading without getting stuck on individual words. This can boost comprehension and make reading less frustrating.
Popular Options:
NaturalReader: This software converts written text into spoken words using a clear, natural voice. Best for: beginners and families looking for a simple, affordable starting point.
Kurzweil 3000: A more advanced tool that not only reads text but also helps with note-taking and highlighting. Best for: older students who need study tools alongside reading support
Google Read & Write: A helpful Chrome extension that offers text-to-speech along with features like word prediction and built-in definitions to support learning. Best for: students who do most of their schoolwork in Google Docs or Chrome
Speechify—TTS software that reads text aloud using natural-sounding voices. Speechify is available online, as a mobile app, and as a Chrome extension. Best for: students who want to listen to anything (websites, PDFs, emails) on the go
Immersive Reader: A tool designed by Microsoft to help improve reading comprehension and enhance the reading experience, especially for users with learning differences such as dyslexia. It's part of many Microsoft applications, like Word, OneNote, and the Edge browser. Best for: students already working in Microsoft Office or the Edge browser
vBooks PDF Voice Reader: A TTS app that converts PDF documents into speech and can also change the font to one designed for dyslexic readers.
2. Audiobooks and Podcasts
Why It Works: Audiobooks and podcasts allow your child to listen to stories or school lessons instead of reading them, making it easier to understand and enjoy learning. Listening helps kids with dyslexia focus on content without the stress of decoding written words.
Popular Resources:
Audible: A vast library of audiobooks across all genres. Audible allows students to listen to books at their own pace. It's perfect for independent reading and improving comprehension skills.
Learning Ally: A specialized service offering audiobooks tailored for students with learning disabilities. Learning Ally's human-narrated books help bridge the gap between comprehension and reading difficulties.
LibriVox: A free resource of audiobooks, LibriVox offers access to classic literature in audio format, making it a valuable tool for students exploring required reading lists.
Bookshare: An online library that provides accessible e-books for individuals with reading disabilities such as dyslexia, blindness, cerebral palsy, and other print disabilities. It offers many titles, including textbooks, bestsellers, and academic resources, in formats like audio, braille, and large print.
Libby: A mobile app developed by OverDrive that offers a streamlined, easy-to-use experience for borrowing and reading or listening to e-books and audiobooks. Users can browse their library's digital collection, borrow books, and download them for offline access, all from the Libby app.
3. Speech-to-Text Software
Why It Works: Writing can be challenging for children with dyslexia, but speech-to-text software lets them speak their thoughts out loud, and the computer turns their speech into text. This helps your child express ideas without struggling with spelling or grammar.
Popular Options:
Dragon NaturallySpeaking: A highly accurate tool that listens to your child’s speech and turns it into written text. Best for: students who need high accuracy and write long assignments
Google Voice Typing: A simple, free option built into Google Docs that allows kids to speak and see their words appear on the screen. Best for: students who use Google Docs and want a free option that does not require setup.
Apple Dictation: Built into Apple devices, this tool allows students to dictate text directly into their iPhones, iPads, or Macs, providing an easy-to-use solution for quick writing tasks. Best for: families already in the Apple ecosystem (iPhone, iPad, Mac)
4. Dyslexia-Friendly Fonts
Why It Works: Some fonts are designed to make reading easier for children with dyslexia by reducing letter confusion and making words clearer. Using these fonts can improve reading speed and comfort.
Popular Fonts:
OpenDyslexic: A free, open-source font specifically designed for dyslexia. Its weighted bottoms prevent letters from being flipped or rotated, making reading less confusing.
Dyslexie Font: Developed by a designer with dyslexia, this font uses unique letter shapes to reduce reading errors and improve reading speed. It's available for use in documents and web browsers.
Lexie Readable: A clear and readable font that enhances letter distinction, Lexie Readable is a popular choice for educators creating dyslexia-friendly learning materials.
5. Graphic Organizers
Why It Works: Organizing thoughts visually can help children with dyslexia break down complex information into smaller, more manageable chunks. Graphic organizers like flowcharts and mind maps help children structure ideas and remember key points more effectively.
Popular Tools:
Inspiration Software: Helps students create visual maps and diagrams to organize their thoughts.
MindMeister: An easy-to-use online tool for creating and sharing mind maps.
FigJam: Helps students with dyslexia organize their thoughts using pictures, sticky notes, and charts. It makes learning easier by turning complicated ideas into simple, visual formats that are more engaging and fun.
Canva: A design tool with templates for flowcharts and other visual aids, making it easy for children to organize information visually.
Free vs. Paid: What to Know Before You Start
One of the first questions parents ask is whether assistive technology is expensive. The honest answer: it doesn't have to be.
Many of the most effective tools are completely free, such as Google Voice Typing, Apple Dictation, Immersive Reader, LibriVox, and OpenDyslexic font. Google Read & Write has a free version. Bookshare is free for students with qualifying print disabilities (such as dyslexia and vision-related weaknesses).
Where paid tools tend to win is in accuracy, features, and ease of use. Dragon NaturallySpeaking and Kurzweil 3000 are more powerful than their free counterparts, but they're also tools worth asking your child's school to fund as part of an IEP or 504 Plan.
Which brings us to an important point: your child's school may already be required to provide some of these tools. If assistive technology is listed in your child's IEP, the school is legally obligated to provide it at no cost to you. If you're not sure what to ask for, our Dear Teacher Letter template can help you start that conversation clearly and confidently.
Advanced Assistive Technology
Advanced assistive technologies, such as reading pens like the C-Pen 2 or OrCam Read, and smart pens like the Livescribe Pen, offer incredible support for children with dyslexia by turning handwritten notes or printed text into digital formats. These tools not only read the text aloud but also allow students to quickly capture and store notes digitally. This makes it much easier for dyslexic students to engage with written material, reducing the stress that often comes with reading or writing tasks. By using these tools, your child can focus more on understanding and participating in lessons without getting stuck on the mechanics of decoding or note-taking. This can truly transform their learning experience and boost their confidence in the classroom.
Tips for Effectively Using Assistive Technology
for Dyslexia
Work with Teachers: Collaborate with your child’s Team to help identify the right tools and strategies for your child's specific needs and include these in your child's IEP or 504.
Practice at Home: Encourage your child to use these tools at home so they feel more comfortable using them at school. The more practice they have with the tools, the less daunting they become when your child is under the added pressure of trying to complete a task in school.
Provide Training: Make sure both your child and their teachers are trained to use these tools properly. When everyone is comfortable using the tools, they’ll be more likely to use them regularly.
Check In Regularly: Monitor how well the tools are working. If something is not helping, don't hesitate to talk to your child's teacher and adjust the plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Assistive Technology for Dyslexia
Is using assistive technology cheating?
Not at all. This is one of the most important mindset shifts for parents and teachers alike. Assistive technology is an accommodation, not a shortcut. A child who uses text-to-speech is still doing the cognitive work of understanding, analyzing, and responding to content. They're just not being penalized for a skill deficit that has nothing to do with their intelligence. Glasses aren't cheating. Neither is this.
What assistive technology does the school have to provide?
If your child has an IEP, the school is required to provide whatever assistive technology is listed in that plan at no cost to you. For students with a 504 Plan, the school must provide reasonable accommodations, which can include access to specific tools. If you're not sure what to request, starting with a diagnostic evaluation gives you the documentation you need to make a strong case.
At what age should my child start using assistive technology?
As early as it helps. There's no minimum age for assistive technology. Many children start using text-to-speech and audiobooks in early elementary school. Starting early removes the shame of struggling and builds the habit of using tools confidently, which can pay off throughout school and beyond.
Can my child use assistive technology on standardized tests?
Sometimes, yes, but it depends on the test and the accommodation. Many state assessments and the SAT allow text-to-speech and extended time for students with documented disabilities. These accommodations must typically be in place in your child's IEP or 504 and used regularly in school before they're approved for testing. Talk to your child's school counselor or special education coordinator for specifics.
In Conclusion
Assistive technology won't eliminate dyslexia, but it can eliminate the daily barriers that stand between your child and their potential. Whether it's hearing a textbook read aloud, speaking an essay instead of typing it, or seeing words in a font that finally makes sense, the right tool can shift everything.
Start small. Pick one tool from this list that matches your child's biggest current challenge. Try it at home first, so it feels familiar before school. And loop in your child's teacher so the tool gets used consistently in both places.
If you're not sure where to begin, we're here to help. At My Happy Teacher, we offer diagnostic assessments that give you a clear picture of how your child learns — and our specialized tutors use proven approaches like the Wilson Reading System and Orton-Gillingham alongside the right assistive tools to build real, lasting skills.
Reach out to chat with us today and empower your child to achieve their full potential!
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