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Learning disabilities manifest themselves in countless ways, varying
in severity from the very mild to the debilitating and those that
impact different elements of education. Yet they almost universally
end up equally stereotyped, misunderstood and sometimes even unfairly
stigmatized. The rigid traditional classroom structure rarely provides
the learning disabled with the resources necessary to meet their
reading, writing, math, social and mobility skills or sense
impairment. Because of this, many learning disabled students feel
marginalized by their peers and instructors alike, oftentimes hindered
more by imposed isolation than the conditions themselves. But as
technology marches on, so too do opportunities for academic success.
No matter their struggle, these perfectly competent, capable
individuals probably have something available to close any
unfortunate, challenging gaps. It’s all a matter of finding the right
answer and finding ways to pay for it — though the more financially
strapped have a few options available, depending on their situation
and what they require.
Please be aware that this article is not meant to take the place of
legitimate medical advice. Different individuals require different
solutions based on numerous factors, and only a small sample of the
myriad assistive technologies available receives representation here.
Take it as a brief overview rather than something even one atom
definitive or professional — save diagnoses and prescriptions for the
experts.
1Talking calculators
Both the visually impaired and the learning disabled can greatly
benefit from these simple devices, which relay mathematics via audio.
For those with dyscalculia, such a gadget renders it much easier to
check and double-check assignments.
2Electronic worksheets
Students struggling with properly lining up words and equations using
standard pencils and paper sometimes use electronic worksheets when
completing assignments. Some even come with text-to-speech or speech
synthesizing capabilities, depending on what assistance is necessary
for academic success.
3Word prediction software
iPhones and Androids haven’t won word prediction programs much
mainstream favor, but for the learning disabled, it can prove an
absolute godsend. Those grappling with reading and spelling, such as
the dyslexic, or difficulties writing and typing use these fantastic
technologies to help complete assignments to their satisfaction.
4Text-to-Voice
Just like the talking calculators, text-to-voice devices and software
make classwork much more tolerable for learning disabled students.
They do an excellent job of assisting individuals struggling with
checking their spelling and grammar in addition to improving reading
and writing comprehension skills.
5Free-form databases
When used along with word processing software, free-form databases
organize notes for students grappling with disorganization. All they
need to do is type out the necessary information and use a quick and
easy search function to browse through everything.
6Personal FM systems
Personal FM systems come in a few different varieties depending on
student needs and school resources. Some of the most sophisticated
transmit audio directly from instructors’ microphones directly into a
hearing aid!
7Digital Pens
Different digital pens each feature different perks, but ones equipped
with audio recording and the ability to convert handwriting seem to be
particularly valuable. Best of all, learning disabled students need
only write on traditional paper to reap the full benefits!
8Variable speed recorders
Whether the devices use tapes or some other sonic equipment, students
with learning disabilities involving auditory processing issues from
variable speed recorders. Depending on their needs, sound can be
slowed, hastened and sometimes even pitched up or down in order to
render classwork more accessible.
9Abbreviation expanders
Students who find typing extremely difficult use this neat software in
conjunction with word processors. Along with some possible presets,
they can customize their own unique abbreviations, which automatically
expand into longer specified words.
10Graphic organizers
Considering so many types of graphic organizers exist out there,
anyone requiring assistance will more than likely find something
perfectly suitable. The one thing they do have in common, though, is
their ultimate goal — helping users better sort and browse their notes
and assignments.
11Portable word processors
These extremely valuable gadgets usually cost less than a laptop, but
still provide all the essential word processing learning disabled
students need to get work done. Some even come equipped with
text-to-speech capabilities, talking calculators, word prediction
programs and other fantastically useful features.
12Alternative keyboards
The learning disabled with specific visual, ergonomic, spatial and/or
other requirements have plenty of viable options available. Whether
they have to have larger keys or an arrangement other than QWERTY,
technology has them pretty well covered.
13Alternative mice
As with alternative keyboards, different styles of mice have been
developed to help learning disabled students complete their
assignments. Joysticks, head mice, touchpads, rollerballs and other
options address a plethora of different movement, spatial and/or
cognitive impairments.
14Speech recognition
If alternative keyboards still prove unwieldy or otherwise unviable,
speech recognition software might prove the better fit. Like the name
says, these technologies convert talking into typing, making them
ideal for the learning disabled struggling with movement or visual
conditions rendering it very tough to click at the keyboard.
15Switches
Usually attached to the head or a hand, switches allow users remote
access to various computers and other devices with far more ease than
a mouse or keyboard. Like many other wondrous assistive technologies,
they come in a staggering variety of structures in order to address
the widest number of needs possible.
16Optical character recognition
Learning disabled students requiring assistive technology to help them
with reading, grammar and spelling can turn towards these seriously
cool devices, which come in a variety of forms. All of them, though,
allow users to scan different documents and convert text into
something more digital and interactive; some even provide
text-to-speech capabilities as well!
17Communication Access Realtime Translation
Also referred to as CART, this technology is meant to reach an
audience rather than a single student, making it a perfect fit for
classrooms with multiple learning disabled individuals — provided they
have similar requirements, of course. A swift-fingered typist inputs
what’s being said, which in turn ends up displayed on a screen for
easy reading; it’s essentially real-time subtitling benefiting the
hearing-impaired.
18Outlining software
Students struggling with organizational issues might want to look into
software that automatically generates outlines and allows them to play
around with them. Similarly, mind-mapping and brainstorming programs
provide them with other opportunities to turn great ideas into great
assignments.
19Personal data managers
Whether carried around as a PDA or installed onto a laptop, the
learning disabled needing memory assistance have some excellent
options open to them when it comes to finding the right personal data
manager. Even some of the simpler varieties available offer up plenty
of amazing ways to better sort through thoughts, schedules and
classwork alike.
20Phonetic spelling software
Dyslexics and others with learning disabilities disrupting reading and
writing assignments might want to consider this very useful assistive
technology. Some with the condition find anything other than phonetic
spelling a challenge, and tools designed to automatically convert
their typing into the proper words will undoubtedly render their lives
easier.
21Visual systems
Although not used exclusively for students on the autism spectrum,
such an arrangement is most often used when assisting them. Visual
systems, as one can probably assume, use effective images (obviously
customized to the individual’s unique requirements) to relay
information about schedules, instructions and plenty more.
22Videotaped social skills
Another very useful tool for autistic students comes in the form of
prerecorded social interactions, meant to help them better absorb
necessary life skills without inadvertently acting inappropriately.
Such a concept, however, extends beyond improving interpersonal skills
— videos are also used to address linguistic, emotional, academic and
self-help issues.
23Scholastic keys
Many common classroom software programs come with scholastic keys
administrators, teachers and parents can implement to simplify their
interface. This allows learning disabled students easier access to
Microsoft Office and other tools; as an added bonus, many of them work
fine with other assistive technologies, such as text-to-speech.
24Audiobooks
They’re nothing new, obviously, but audiobooks will always remain a
staple of assistive technology — even if their formats change over
time. With so many free and low-cost works available on a staggering
variety of platforms, it’s never been easier to bring great literature
to learning disabled students.
25Low-tech solutions
Just because so many assistive technologies embody digital, emerging
and advanced mechanics doesn’t mean simpler, more low-key solutions
should go entirely ignored. Learning disability experts can and have
rendered education more accessible to students using resources as
simple as highlighters, note cards, construction paper and anything
else imaginable. Viable solutions, no matter what form they come in,
should never be dismissed because they lack slick, shiny digital
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