Technology & Dyslexia
Dyslexia affects how the brain processes written language -- reading, writing, and spelling can require significantly more effort and energy. But dyslexic minds are also incredibly strong in areas like pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, and creative problem-solving. AI tools can reduce the friction of text-based tasks so dyslexic individuals can focus on what they do best.
Reading and Comprehension
Reading dense text can be exhausting and slow for dyslexic individuals. AI tools offer alternative ways to access written information.
- Speechify converts any text -- emails, documents, web pages, PDFs -- into natural-sounding speech. You can adjust the reading speed and voice to match your preference.
- Read&Write by Texthelp is a comprehensive literacy toolbar that offers text-to-speech, a picture dictionary, word prediction, and text highlighting as you read.
- Learning Ally provides a massive library of human-narrated audiobooks specifically for educational content, making textbooks accessible.
Writing and Expression
Getting thoughts from your head onto the page is one of the most frustrating aspects of dyslexia. AI writing tools can bridge this gap.
- Grammarly catches spelling and grammar issues in real time, but also helps with clarity and tone -- so your writing communicates what you actually mean.
- Dyslexic AI is an AI cognitive partner specifically designed for dyslexic thinkers, with custom prompts and workflows that match how you process information.
- Recallify lets you speak your ideas and uses AI to extract and organize them into written notes and tasks.
Note-Taking and Study
Traditional note-taking methods often don't work well for dyslexic learners. AI tools can capture and organize information in more accessible ways.
- Jamworks records lectures and uses AI to generate notes, summaries, and flashcards -- so you can focus on understanding rather than writing.
- Otter.ai provides real-time transcription of meetings and lectures, creating a searchable written record you can review later.
- NotebookLM lets you upload documents and then ask questions about them, getting AI-powered summaries in plain language.
Comprehensive Learning Platforms
Some tools are specifically designed as complete learning support systems for dyslexia.
- Kurzweil Education combines reading support, writing assistance, and study tools into one platform designed for learning differences.
- Read&Write by Texthelp integrates with browsers and document editors to provide on-demand support wherever you're working.
Tips for Getting Started
- Text-to-speech is transformative. If you try only one thing, try a text-to-speech tool. Many dyslexic people describe it as the single most impactful accommodation they've found.
- Use the right font. This website uses Atkinson Hyperlegible, a font designed for readability. Look for tools that let you customize fonts and spacing.
- Audio + visual together. Many people find that hearing text read aloud while seeing it highlighted simultaneously improves both speed and comprehension.
- You're not cheating. Using assistive technology is an accommodation, not a shortcut. Your ideas and knowledge are the same regardless of how you access or express them.