Oct 20, 2007

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:

2 comments:

  1. WOW! I did not know such a thing existed.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is such a great idea! I'm going to add it to my daughter's Christmas list!

    I enjoy reading your blog, I even added it to my favorite blog list on my blog, http://www.helpadhdautism.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

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