Dyslexia and Assistive Technology
Defining the Disability:
Dyslexia.org: "Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.”
Dyslexic.com: Dyslexia is a neurological education condition which affects an estimated 10% of the UK population. It is likely to be present at birth and to be life-long in its effects. Dyslexia is not affected or caused by intelligence and there is no cure but individuals can overcome it.
Google: a general term for disorders that involve difficulty in learning to read or interpret words, letters, and other symbols, but that do not affect general intelligence.
As you can see, there are many definitions of this disability. Some very different from others. Emerson Dickman of Dyslexiaida.org has spent many years trying to come to one definition for Dyslexia. The conclusion is that, everyone knows what it means, and what it consists of for those who are diagnosed with it..so why have one single definition? The point is that dyslexia has to do with individuals who have difficulties reading and writing due to spelling and coding abilities based off of something in their brains. This does not mean that they are less capable than others in any subject matter, it just means that they struggle decoding language.
To learn more about what dyslexia really is, check out this Ted Talk with Kelli Sandman-Hurley . This link walks the viewer through what it looks like to read as someone who has dyslexia as well as the neuroscience behind it.
Dean Bragonier gives another great TedTalk into what it is like to be dyslexic. He offers similar neurological evidence behind the causes of it but also presents an inspiring message to all: an open mind.
There are also many books available for families and educators who want to famialirizew themselves with Dyslexia as a whole. Two popular choices that have received great feedback can be seen below.
These books are The Dyslexic Advantage: Unlocking the Hidden Potential of the Dyslexic Brain by Brock and Fernette Eide
as well as, Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz.
Dyslexia.org: "Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.”
Dyslexic.com: Dyslexia is a neurological education condition which affects an estimated 10% of the UK population. It is likely to be present at birth and to be life-long in its effects. Dyslexia is not affected or caused by intelligence and there is no cure but individuals can overcome it.
Google: a general term for disorders that involve difficulty in learning to read or interpret words, letters, and other symbols, but that do not affect general intelligence.
As you can see, there are many definitions of this disability. Some very different from others. Emerson Dickman of Dyslexiaida.org has spent many years trying to come to one definition for Dyslexia. The conclusion is that, everyone knows what it means, and what it consists of for those who are diagnosed with it..so why have one single definition? The point is that dyslexia has to do with individuals who have difficulties reading and writing due to spelling and coding abilities based off of something in their brains. This does not mean that they are less capable than others in any subject matter, it just means that they struggle decoding language.
To learn more about what dyslexia really is, check out this Ted Talk with Kelli Sandman-Hurley . This link walks the viewer through what it looks like to read as someone who has dyslexia as well as the neuroscience behind it.
Dean Bragonier gives another great TedTalk into what it is like to be dyslexic. He offers similar neurological evidence behind the causes of it but also presents an inspiring message to all: an open mind.
There are also many books available for families and educators who want to famialirizew themselves with Dyslexia as a whole. Two popular choices that have received great feedback can be seen below.
These books are The Dyslexic Advantage: Unlocking the Hidden Potential of the Dyslexic Brain by Brock and Fernette Eide
as well as, Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz.
What is Assistive Technology??
Defining Assistive Technology:
Atia.org- products, equipment, and systems that enhance learning, working, and daily living for persons with disabilities.
Often times people think assistive technology must be some sort of electronic device when in fact technology is much broader than that!
Atia.org- products, equipment, and systems that enhance learning, working, and daily living for persons with disabilities.
Often times people think assistive technology must be some sort of electronic device when in fact technology is much broader than that!
Some images of these technologies: (Click on the image for description and source!)
Assistive Technology gives individuals and students across the world to participate in activities that they typically would not be able to do. The opportunities that are continuously growing for several populations is heart warming. Without assistive technology....some people could't go skiing or play on playgrounds! Below are a few more pictures that display an adaptive playground that is wheelchair accessible as well as a type of adaptive skiing.
Meet Sam in this video! This video gives a brief first hand account on Assistive Tech.
Assistive Technology for Individuals with Dyslexia
There are hundreds of different applications and devices that help individuals with dyslexia succeed in an academic setting.
Websites like Dyslexia Materials provide a long list of options (mostly high tech) for students. Click on the link to see more!
Below are some images of specific technologies that are extremely useful to those with dyslexia. Each caption will give a brief description on the item and where the image came from.
Websites like Dyslexia Materials provide a long list of options (mostly high tech) for students. Click on the link to see more!
Below are some images of specific technologies that are extremely useful to those with dyslexia. Each caption will give a brief description on the item and where the image came from.
References:
https://www.dyslexiamaterials.com/assistive-technology-for-dyslexia.html
Google Images
Barnesandnoble.com
understood.org
www.atia.org
Youtube.com
Dyslexic.com
Dyslexia.org
https://assistedtechnology.weebly.com/blog-2018
Reflection:
This experience has been very rewarding and educational. As I will be working with students who have dyslexia in the near future, it was great to put myself into the mindset of the educator already and create a platform that is filled with strategies and options for these specific students. After this experience, I believe Special Educators should begin creating websites such as this one for the variety of disabilities for the students in their school. That way they, and other teachers in the building have a list of useful links, references, and tools that are available to them in an accessible way.
https://www.dyslexiamaterials.com/assistive-technology-for-dyslexia.html
Google Images
Barnesandnoble.com
understood.org
www.atia.org
Youtube.com
Dyslexic.com
Dyslexia.org
https://assistedtechnology.weebly.com/blog-2018
Reflection:
This experience has been very rewarding and educational. As I will be working with students who have dyslexia in the near future, it was great to put myself into the mindset of the educator already and create a platform that is filled with strategies and options for these specific students. After this experience, I believe Special Educators should begin creating websites such as this one for the variety of disabilities for the students in their school. That way they, and other teachers in the building have a list of useful links, references, and tools that are available to them in an accessible way.