Digital Voice Recorders for Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and SEND

Digital voice recorders, also called dictaphones, let SEND learners and adults capture lectures, lessons and meetings as audio instead of writing notes by hand. For people with dyslexia, dysgraphia or dyspraxia, that removes the bottleneck of note-taking and leaves a recording they can replay as often as they need.

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Our top pick

Micro Speak Plus 1GB Voice Recorder - simple one-button recording in yellow

Most people who need a recorder for dyslexia or dysgraphia do not need a studio device, they need one button and a clear light, which is why our top pick is the Micro Speak Plus 1GB. It is small enough to sit on a desk or in a pocket, bright enough not to get lost in a bag, and straightforward enough that a pupil can start recording without a teacher intervening. The 1GB capacity covers a full timetable of lessons or a day of meetings before anything needs clearing off.

View the Micro Speak Plus 1GB Voice Recorder

Our range runs from single-button recorders built for classroom and personal use through to devices with longer battery life, larger storage and better microphones for meetings and lectures. If you would rather write and record at the same time, our smart pens capture audio alongside handwritten notes.

What is a dictaphone, and how is it different from a digital voice recorder?

They are the same thing. "Dictaphone" was originally a brand name and became the everyday word for a handheld audio recorder, while "digital voice recorder" is the technical description of a modern one that stores files digitally rather than on tape. If you are searching for either term, this is the right category.

How do voice recorders help with dyslexia and dysgraphia?

Writing notes and listening at the same time is a dual task, and for someone with dyslexia, dysgraphia or dyspraxia it usually means one of the two suffers. A recorder splits the job in half: listen properly now, write later from the recording, at your own pace, replaying any part as often as you like. It also removes the anxiety of missing something important.

How do I choose the right digital voice recorder?

Three things matter. Simplicity, because a device with a menu system will not get used by a child or by someone under pressure in a meeting. Recording length, which depends on storage capacity and file quality. Microphone quality, which matters far more in a large lecture hall than at a desk. Buy for the hardest situation the device will face, not the easiest.

Who are digital voice recorders for?

In schools, SENCOs and teaching assistants use them so pupils on SEN support or with an EHCP can access the lesson content rather than struggling to transcribe it, and for revision across Key Stage 3 to 5. At home, parents use them for homework, reading practice and capturing instructions a child would otherwise forget. In the workplace, they are one of the most common reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010, letting adults record meetings, briefings and training rather than rely on handwritten notes. See our dyslexia in the workplace range for related support, or Dragon speech recognition software if you want dictation straight to text instead.

Browse the range below. If you are buying for a school, a SEND department or an employee adjustment and want help matching a device to the situation, get in touch and we will talk it through.

 

Need advice? Call us to have a chat - 01394 671 818 or email us hello@thedyslexiashop.co.uk

Frequently asked questions

What is a dictaphone?

A dictaphone is a small handheld device for recording speech. The name began as a brand and became the everyday word for any portable voice recorder. Modern ones are digital, saving audio as files you can transfer to a computer rather than onto tape. In SEND settings they are used so learners can capture what was said and revisit it later.

How does a digital voice recorder help someone with dyslexia?

It separates listening from writing. Taking notes while following a lesson or meeting is a dual task, and for someone with dyslexia, dysgraphia or dyspraxia the writing usually costs them the listening. Recording the session means they can concentrate at the time and write up afterwards at their own pace, replaying anything they missed.

Do digital voice recorders transcribe recordings into text?

Most standalone recorders capture audio only. Transcription is normally done afterwards by software on a computer or phone, which converts the recorded file into text. Some devices are sold bundled with transcription software, so check the individual product description if converting to text matters to you rather than assuming the device does it on its own.

Can I get a voice recorder through Access to Work?

Access to Work is a government scheme that can fund equipment and support for disabled people in employment, including assistive technology for dyslexia and dyspraxia. Applications are made by the employee rather than by the supplier. If your assessor has recommended a recorder, contact us and we can provide a written quote for the device you need.

How do schools use digital voice recorders for SEND pupils?

Schools typically issue them to pupils on SEN support or with an EHCP so lesson content is accessible without relying on handwritten notes. They are also used for recording homework instructions, capturing pupil voice for reviews, and revision across Key Stage 3 to 5. Simple one-button models work best, because anything requiring a menu tends to go unused.

Are digital voice recorders easy enough for a child to use?

Yes, provided you choose a simple model. Look for one physical record button, a clear indicator light and no menu navigation, so a child can start and stop recording without adult help. Avoid devices aimed at journalists or musicians, which have multiple modes and settings that create more problems than they solve in a classroom.

How long can a digital voice recorder record for?

Recording length depends on storage capacity and audio quality setting, so a device set to a lower quality will hold considerably more hours than the same device at high quality. Battery life is the other limit and is quoted separately. Check both figures on the individual product page, since they vary widely across the range.