Assistive Technology and Software for SEND and Dyslexia

Assistive technology for dyslexia includes reading pens, dyslexia software, e-ink tablets, voice recorders and dyslexia-friendly keyboards that help SEND learners read, write and organise their work independently. SENCOs use our range to support pupils in class, and parents use it to make homework and revision more manageable at home.

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Our top pick

Scanmarker Max - reading pen with Exam Lock for classroom and exams

The Scanmarker Max is our top pick because it scans a line of printed text and reads it aloud within seconds, giving pupils with dyslexia independent access to age-appropriate texts. It works without a computer and adds Photo scan, Transcribe and translation. Its Exam Lock function restricts selected features, so exam centres can consider it as an access arrangement.

Price: £249.99 | View the Scanmarker Max

Around 1 in 10 people are dyslexic, according to the British Dyslexia Association, and the right technology removes many of the daily barriers to reading and writing. Our range covers reader pens for dyslexia, SEND assistive software, BOOX e-ink tablets, assistive keyboards and digital voice recorders.

How does dyslexia software and assistive technology help pupils?

Dyslexia affects decoding and spelling, not intelligence or understanding. Assistive technology takes over the part of the task that dyslexia makes slow: a reading pen reads printed words aloud, text-to-speech software reads on-screen text, and a voice recorder captures ideas before they are lost. Pupils then spend their effort on the content of the lesson rather than on getting the words off or onto the page.

How do I choose the right assistive technology for a child with dyslexia?

Start with the task that causes the most difficulty. For reading printed text, choose a reading pen; for reading and writing on a computer, choose software; for note-taking and longer reading, consider an e-ink tablet. SENCOs should think about whether a device will be shared or assigned to one pupil, and whether it may be needed in exams. Parents should choose tools that match what their child uses at school, so the way of working stays consistent.

Who is this assistive technology for?

Schools: SENCOs, teachers and trust buyers use our range as assistive technology within SEND provision, SEN support and EHCPs, from individual reading pens to touch typing and literacy software.

Parents: at home, assistive technology helps children with dyslexia tackle homework, reading books and revision independently, building confidence without an adult reading every page.

Browse the range below, or get in touch for school and bulk orders.

 

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

Frequently asked questions

What is assistive technology for dyslexia?

Assistive technology for dyslexia is any device or software that reduces the barriers dyslexia creates in reading, writing and organising work. Common examples include reading pens that read printed text aloud, text-to-speech and speech recognition software, digital voice recorders and e-ink tablets. SEND learners use these tools to work more independently, so their understanding is not held back by slow decoding or spelling.

Which reading pen should I choose for a pupil with dyslexia?

Choose a reading pen based on where it will be used. For everyday classroom work and homework, pens such as the Scanmarker Max, C-Pen Reader 2 and IRISPen Reader 8 scan a line of text and read it aloud. If the pupil may need a pen in exams, look at models built for assessment, such as the C-Pen Exam Reader 2 or the Scanmarker Max with its Exam Lock function, and check with your SENCO first.

Can reading pens be used in GCSE exams?

Reading pens can be used in GCSE exams when the candidate's exam centre permits it under the JCQ access arrangements. Permission depends on the subject, what the assessment is testing and whether the pen is part of the pupil's normal way of working. Speak to your SENCO or exams officer early, so the pupil can use the same device in class well before the exam season.

Can schools use assistive technology as part of SEND support or an EHCP?

Yes, assistive technology is a recognised part of SEND provision and sits naturally within the graduated approach described in the SEND Code of Practice. Schools use reading pens, dyslexia software and voice recorders as part of SEN support, and these tools can also be written into an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Recording the device as a pupil's normal way of working also supports later access arrangement applications.

What software helps children with dyslexia?

Several types of software help children with dyslexia. Text-to-speech programs such as Everyway Read & Write (formerly Texthelp) read on-screen text aloud, touch typing courses such as Englishtype build keyboard skills, and mind mapping software such as Inspiration 11 helps pupils plan writing visually. Older pupils who find writing slow can also use Dragon speech recognition software to turn spoken words into text.

Is assistive technology suitable for children to use at home?

Yes, most of our assistive technology is designed for home use as well as school. Parents use reading pens to help children read homework questions independently, voice recorders to capture ideas before writing, and e-ink tablets for comfortable reading and note-taking. Using the same tools at home and at school helps children with dyslexia build confidence and keeps their way of working consistent.