Assistive Technology for Dyslexia

If your child struggles with dyslexia, a pen scanner may be the assistive technology that you have been looking for. Sue Watson, Developmental Support Counselor from about.com, says the following. "The pen scanner is used the same way you use a marker highlighter. Simply take the pen scanner across the text. The pen scanner will let you scan, store and transfer your printed text as well as smaller images to your computer. It's ideal for taking notes or scanning text for students that use a text reader. " Your child "can benefit tremendously from the use of scanner pens for test taking, note taking, greater access to materials, auditory support and overall productivity." In deciding whether your child may benefit from a pen scanner, she also suggests that you take the following into consideration:

• fine motor control is essential
• responsibility (the student will need to keep the pen with him/her)
• auditory discretion is important as many of the pens read but the voice is synthetic which can be frustrating for many students
• confidence (these students need to be comfortable using their assistive devices around their peers)
  

Following are several types of pen scanners that are available on the market:

• Iris Pen $129.00
• WizCom QuickLink Pen from $69.99
• C-Pen 20 $139.00