Bsc Hons Dissertation for Glasgow Caledonian University

"The Suitability and Effectiveness of Voice Recognition Software
for Dyslexic Users"

There are a variety of word processing software and add-ons available which will provide Dyslexics with help in spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and in some cases proof-reading, and scanning.

EnableMart, Ygnius, and TextHELP!â, all provide a wide range of software products to schools for those with learning disabilities, which claim to suit all ages and abilities and can be adapted to suit the users needs. They can be used with word processors, spreadsheets, databases, email and the Internet. Although recommended by the main Dyslexia Institutions, and implemented in some schools, there does not seem to have been any major independent testing to substantiate these manufacturers' claims. This would indicate that more testing and evaluation of these products is needed, before they could justifiably be recommended as the way forward in standard teaching aids for dyslexics.

Specialist Hardware

As well as the wide range of software on the market, there is also a growing range of specialist devices and hardware targeted at those with learning disabilities. Handheld electronic spellcheckers and dictionaries are handy, but expensive tools for children to carry around, as are handheld scanners, such as the Quicktionary Reading Pen, which will scan, display and read sections of text back to you. The Alphasmart Keyboard is a relatively inexpensive alternative to a laptop, which can be used for word processing and linked to a computer for formatting and printing.

Investigation so far, shows that while some schools are reasonably well equipped with some of this new hardware and software, they are still in the minority.

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