Dyslexia Software

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Dyslexia Software

• TextHelp - highly recommended by John Bradford - 'an excellent word-processing support program which links in to your word-processor, suggesting spellings for each word as you start to type it, and reading out your writing so that you can see if it makes sense or if you've missed out any words.'
  
  
• PenFriend - Supportive writing software featuring word prediction (predictive typing), on-screen keyboards, screen-reader speech feedback, etc. Penfriend XP's core strength is in predicting the next word you want to write. It does this using a dictionary of known words, along with detailed knowledge of when they are likely to be used, their grammatical type, words you have used before, and so on. Every time you type a letter, it comes up with a new list of the most likely words which fit your letters. Choosing one is a simple matter of pressing one more button, or clicking on the word with the mouse. If you're not sure how to read it, you can hear it spoken before you choose a word.
  
  
• Co-Writer - adds word prediction to any word processing or e-mail program. Co:Writer provides the explicit vocabulary, spelling, composition and revision supports that build skill and considerately scaffold a broad population of struggling writers. FlexSpell, equipped with thousands of phonetic spelling patterns, accommodates students who spell words like they sound. Hundreds of Topic Dictionaries are included so students can participate in writing across the curriculum — in every genre. USA | UK
  
  
• TextEase - versatile and powerful program with word processing, desktop publishing and multimedia capabilities all in one. Suitable for all writing and publishing tasks at school and at home, its ease of use and flexibility make it as ideal for young children as it is for adults.
  >>> 'I found that the spellchecker using TextEase worked really well and was much more beneficial to the child. It automatically highlighted incorrect words in grey. Then if he pressed the ABC button a list of words appeared. The great thing about this program was that if the child finds reading any word difficult, all they have to do is highlight it and press the red mouth and it tells you what the word says. With this I can let the child correct his own work due to the word being read out'. (C.B., Notts, UK)
  
  
  
• Memory Booster - new approach to helping children improve their memory skills: a computer program that is effective, even without parental or teacher supervision. The program teaches flexible memory strategies and takes the child through enjoyable exercises that develop and extend learning skills. Activities are automatically adjusted to the abilities of each individual child. Learning progresses at the pace that is best suited to their needs. However, parents or teachers can configure the program to make it easier or harder if this should be necessary.
  
  
  
• WordQ - a writing tool used along with standard Windows word processing software. It uses advanced word prediction to suggest words for you to use and provides spoken (text-to-speech) feedback.
  
  
• BrowseAloud - Free to download, "easy to use with control over the voice, pitch and speed, Browsealoud is there when you need assistance as you navigate the Web. Simply by scrolling your mouse over the text that you want read to you, Browsealoud will read and speak what you require, helping you navigate websites more easily".
  
  
  
• Speegle - Free talking search engine which will read your search results out loud to you in a voice of your choice. Highly recommended.
  
  
  
• HelpRead - Free software that "reads along with you while you do the reading. Whether you’re younger or older, new to reading or have your own library, this program should be able to help you read more and understand more of what you read".
  
  
• ReadPlease - Free - "Shatters the myth that computers must sound robotic and monotonous. Just imagine having web pages and e-mail read aloud to you. If you are finding there is just too much on-screen reading with all of this technology, then you will love using ReadPlease".
  
  
  
• Franklin Spell checkers - 'I purchased a spell checker for my son who is 10 yrs. old and in 4th grade. To begin we worked on several words I knew he would be able to spell quickly to give him some encouragement. After he understood the concept of how the spell checker worked, I gave him words closer to his age level, it became more difficult for him, but he didn't seem to mind because he was able to get the word and was still having fun with his new "toy". Then I started to give him words that the spell checker was really for, words he would really need to have help to figure out and he became frustrated at not being able to figure most of them out and became discouraged. What we decided together was that he could keep the spell checker but he didn't have to use it for spell checking, he could just play the word games that were on it. The result of him having a spell checker just for fun is that he is very familiar with how it works now and he is also using it for a spell checker on his own and I do not see the frustration as much anymore. By next school year he should be using it more often' (T.R., Orgon, USA).
  
  
• Study Skills reference (students and college)
  
  
• Language Tune-up Kit Phonics - Multimedia phonics reading and spelling software on CD-ROM for Windows. Uses the Orton-Gillingham method for children, adults, teens, dyslexics, special education, at-risk, and those with other learning disabilities.
  
  

• 'Web Talkster' - talking browser - Inexpensive - 'One of my students is more computer literate than I am. He just loves his computers. I told him about the download for Web Talkster. He went home and downloaded the program and started trying it out. He thinks it is the best aid ever. He now can get a lot more out of the internet than he did before. He uses it for everything from reading his email to even reading his assignments. He worked out a way of importing his assignments into netscape so he can have it read to him. He said that it took a little time to get used to the voice sound but once he did he had no problems. This aid has made him more open to try other aids such as using a tape recorder to get his ideas out as it takes a long time to write them down he tends to forget what he wanted to write.' (J. H., NSW, Australia).
  
  
  

• 'AlphaSmart - 'When JM found out what was required of him in Freshman English, he just about shut down. That was when I introduced JM to as AlphaSmart. I explained how it would work. Just turn is on and start typing, turn it off when you are finished—everything is automatically saved as you type. With its built-in word processor, you can write stories, make outlines, input data for spreadsheets, take notes and more, then easily transfer to my computer or print directly to most printers in the lab with a single keystroke. The AlphaSmart has eight files that make it easy to organize your work. It is lightweight, portable and runs about 500 hours on 3 AA batteries. When you need to edit, or can transfer your work from the AlphaSmart to the computer and change the font, spacing, etc. JM uses his AlphaSmart every day and has a great attitude. He is looking forward to going to college now that he found a tool that takes the pen/pencil away and has given him success.' (L. L., Texas).
  
  

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  Clicker 4 - Clicker Writer is Clicker's talking word processor. You can type into it just like any word processor. When you complete a sentence, the sentence is spoken using one of the clear voices included. If you like, you can have each word spoken as it is entered, or even each letter.
  >>> "With Clicker 4 the computer is set to read automatically as soon as a period/full stop is used. This has been great in reinforcing the use of capital letters and full stops. My son is able to check his work as he goes and edits immediately instead of waiting until the end when he has forgotten what he has written. He prefers the voice in this program as the other was more or less on one tone. He is more able to independently find correct spellings and he is able to listen to each word then select the one he needs. This is helping him to work with greater independence and is building his confidence to try and complete a task." (S. B-W, Somerset, UK)
  
  

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  Kurzweil 3000 - "The Kurzeil 3000 is the greatest tool to benefit the dyslexic student. My high school students can bring in a library book or an article, etc. and scan the material one class period and listen/follow along the next period. The students can use bookmarks and change the voice and speed that it reads to their individual tastes. The Kurzweil also comes with a CD with numerous works available to be read without scanning. With the CD you just find the author and click; locate the story you need and click; and start listening. The classroom teachers are really great about sending the reading assignments to me a few days ahead of time so I can have them scanned and ready to read. This helps the students because they stay on schedule. Sometimes students come in after and before school to scan articles so they will be able to keep pace with other students. Therefore extended time isn’t necessary. The bottom line is that it is a wonderful tool that gives the students a sense of independence." (L. L., Texas)
  
  

• Inspiration - 'A program that is used to generate ideas for a topic in order to make an essay. The program types a word – and you write another word associated with the first word and another and it builds diagrams.
       For example let’s say you must write an essay about the “highway system”. It puts these words in a box, then it branches out into another box, for example with the words “ministry of transportation”, and another box - “roads”- “vehicles” , each time branching out into more details.
       Then from the boxes, the program makes a list and extracts the list into headings, then sub-headings and then bullet points. Eventually you have a summary of an essay. Then you can put the bullet points into sentences and paragraphs.
       This program is very useful, when you don’t have an idea – it inspires you to one.
  However, my son says that usually he has ideas and prefers to write them down directly, and then organize his ideas rather than on a word by word basis.
       Since organization is a very weak point with many dyslexics, organizational programs may be very helpful for them. Saving files on a computer in folders (with systematic ways of searching for the files.) is a big advantage for dyslexics since they don’t have pieces of paper that can be lost.
       My son has used some business programs such as “Visio” by Microsoft which has templates for building diagrams and is useful to make maps, and streets with pictorial explanations, not just boxes as in “Inspiration”. He finds it very helpful in breaking down tasks and particularly helpful with organizing topics in order to explain to other people. (K.G., Israel)
  
  

• Quictionary Reading Pen - recommended by Melanie Chong. Read her review.
  
  
  
  

• The Mystery of the Lost Letters - A tri-lingual multi-media tool that, for the first time ever, will help young dyslexics discover how they learn best. This unique CD-Rom self-help tool which stars Tintin and Snowy, has been produced by the BBC, in conjunction with leading European dyslexia experts.The Mystery of the Lost Letters boosts morale and enables dyslexic learners to tap into their individual giftedness. The engaging adventure masks a sophisticated diagnostic tool which builds a profile of how the user learns best - cognitively, socially and environmentally. It then offers positive feedback on how to build on strengths, and gives advice on how to cope with weaknesses.
  
  

• IBM ViaVoice is similar to Dragon Naturally Speaking, though less well reviewed: 'Using ViaVoice's Corrections Window is an exercise in frustration' (Guardian, Nov 18 03). ViaVoice Pro USB Edition, Release 10, includes a quality headset microphone with USB adapter. REVIEW. USA | UK
  
  

• Aurora Suite 2005 - Aurora Suite 2005 offers a double-shot of accessibility features in one flexible, high-quality solution for people with Learning Disabilities and Dyslexia. Aurora Prediction is surprisingly effective word prediction, a talking spellchecker and homonyms assistance that helps you type emails, instant message to friends, write documents or do any other task that requires typing. Prediction works with whatever applications you use to save keystrokes, get punctuation and capitalization right, and assures you write the best you can. Aurora Echo provides simple screenreading and a complete range of readback tools to help you be sure you get your ideas down on paper. You can use Echo to read your documents, emails, web pages and even application menus aloud, highlighting each word as it is spoken.
  
  

• Nessy Learning Program - (Click on 'Visit the Nessy Shop'' rabbit icon along the top.)
  Nessy is a massive resource! When printed out Nessy fills five huge folders of just under 1000 pages with rules, resources and games. Nessy uses interactive animations to learn phonic rules. Unique learning strategies make this a highly effective teaching tool. Interactive games reinforce learning through a stimulating multi-media format.
  BrainBooster is a complete study skills programme that is easy to use. Boost your memory and discover your learning strengths. This essential interactive guide will help improve grades by revealing the secrets of study skills. BrainBooster has six interactive sections. Learn strategies for memory, reading, revision, writing, organisation and try the questionnaire to identify your individual learning strengths. Play quick interactive activities or print out additional resources to help develop many of the study skills.
  
  

• KeyStone SpeechMaster - specifically designed to integrate voice recognition technology seamlessly with a text-to-speech screen reader, homophone checker and advanced spelling checker. SpeechMaster is a robust bundled product, comprising KeyStone ScreenSpeaker and Dragon NaturallySpeaking Preferred software. KeyStone SpeechMaster gives people with limited writing skills the vital confidence to produce accurate text after just a few hours.
  
  

• KeyStone ScreenSpeaker - gives assistance in the use of Microsoft Word™ to create documents without relying on a computer monitor. A user can listen to their work being spoken back while the text is being typed. Any mistakes can be quickly found and corrected using advanced spelling and homophone checkers, while the work is being created or after it has been completed.
  
  

• Waterford Early Learning Systems - Waterford Early Reading Program provides three levels of full-year instruction. From Level One for emergent readers through Level Three for developing fluency, Waterford Early Reading Program incorporates skills like letter mastery, reading and listening development, controlled and natural language stories, complex spelling, basic writing skills, and comprehension strategies.
  
  
  
  

• Lexia Learning Systems - Lexia Reading software supports reading skills development in students at all levels of ability, Pre-K through Adult, building skills with explicit practice in phonemic awareness and phonics while promoting gains in fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Our research-based reading software supports core reading curriculum in over 10,000 schools nationwide, helping students master the essential reading skills necessary to become successful readers for a lifetime.
  
  

• Reading Plus - Reading Plus is a comprehensive, evidence based software solution for reading assessment and improvement that develops foundational fluency skills for students of all ages. It is the result of over 70 years of research and development in the area of reading improvement technology. Reading Plus addresses all the elements of reading cited by the National Reading Panel including: Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Vocabulary, Comprehension and, what is most important, Fluency.
  The Reading Plus assessment tools and instructional programs are browser based and can be delivered through the internet for remote access and extended instruction, or through a local area network. Reading Plus® has helped over 500,000 students become better readers and continues to be the reading intervention program that assists students who have not found help through other programs or teaching methods. .

 

Dyslexia math/s

• Time Table Rhyme - math/s tables testing activity - automatically marked.
  
  
• www.multiplication.com - range of math/s games and activities.
  
  
• Calculators - Louise has been struggling with math facts for many years. She never did master them back in the 4th grade, and hated when her class would play speed games with multiplication facts. She would always profess that she needed to go to the bathroom or find some way to get out of playing the game. She also shied away from any type of board game where you had to go up individually and do problems. These experiences were so overwhelming for her, that she hated school, especially math.

  During the 6th grade Louise had an experience that changed her outlook on herself and on math in general. During that year the teacher had the class do timing tests once a week with their multiplication facts. As they mastered one fact, they would go on to the next, until they mastered them all in 5 minutes or less. Louise just could not get past her 4’s and the rest of the class was almost completed with all of them and on to division facts. This was done every Wednesday, and Louise would always decide she had a stomach ache that day, and refuse to go to school. It was so humiliating to her, and the class would ridicule her all the time.

  Her mother sensed that something needed to be done, so she confronted the teacher and told her that they needed to have some other approach to helping Louise memorize her facts. The teacher didn’t realize that she felt this way, and decided that some kind of intervention needed to happen. After doing some testing on Louise, the school learned that Louise was dyslexic, and that numbers on a page were just a mess. With the help of a resource classroom, and I as her tutor, Louise has made amazing strides in her math facts.

  We started to use a calculator to check her math, and this has been a big boost to her self-esteem. She is able to do the problems she has, check them for accuracy, and then realize that if she made a mistake she can go back and see where it happened. Louise has learned that the calculator is a help to her, not a crutch, and she knows that it is there when she needs that extra little boost. She no longer has the anxieties the she once had about math, and the use of the calculator has been the key. (Nanci Ross, Utah, USA).

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