IRIScan Pen and Document Scanners for SEND and Dyslexia

IRIScan pen scanners and document scanners turn printed text into speech and editable digital text, giving SEND learners and adults with dyslexia independent access to books, worksheets and workplace documents. The range covers handheld reading pens, desktop book scanners and visualisers for school, home and work.

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Our top pick

IRISPen Reader 8 - cordless pen scanner and reading pen

The IRISPen Reader 8 is our top pick because it combines a pen scanner, reading pen and voice recorder in one cordless device. Its built-in LCD touchscreen makes scanning straightforward, and read-aloud text-to-speech supports learners with dyslexia at school, at home and at work. A single charge gives 3 to 4 hours of scanning, with up to 7 days on standby.

Price: £108.33 | View the IRISPen Reader 8

Around 1 in 10 people are dyslexic, according to the British Dyslexia Association, and reading printed text is often the biggest daily barrier. IRIScan tools remove that barrier by capturing the words and reading them aloud, so the reader can focus on meaning rather than decoding. Our SEND specialists recommend them as a flexible step up from simple reading rulers and coloured overlays.

What do IRIScan pen scanners do for readers with dyslexia?

An IRIScan pen scanner captures a line of printed text as you glide it across the page, then reads it aloud or saves it as editable text. Desktop scanners such as the IRIScan Desk 6 Pro Dyslexic do the same for whole pages, using the Readiris Dyslexic software to read documents aloud, highlight words as they are spoken and adjust the reading speed.

How do I choose the right IRIScan scanner?

Start with how the reader works. A pen scanner suits short passages, homework and studying on the move, while a desktop scanner suits whole books, A3 documents and anyone who finds steady pen control difficult. For schools, think about shared use: the IRIScan Visualizer 7 with Readiris Dyslexic 2.0 works as a document camera, scanner and webcam, so one device serves a whole class. For the workplace, check which file formats your role needs, such as Word or PDF.

Who are IRIScan scanners for?

Schools: SENCOs and teachers use IRIScan scanners as assistive technology within SEND provision and EHCP support, helping dyslexic pupils read worksheets, textbooks and reading books independently.

Parents: at home, a pen scanner gives children and teenagers with dyslexia the confidence to tackle homework and revision without waiting for an adult to read every page.

Workplace: for adults, IRIScan scanners are a practical reasonable adjustment under the Equality Act 2010, and Access to Work can contribute towards specialist equipment for eligible employees. Compare them with our reader pens for dyslexia and Dragon speech recognition software to build a complete toolkit.

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 a pen scanner and how does it help with dyslexia?

A pen scanner is a handheld device that you glide along a line of printed text to capture it digitally, and reading models such as the IRISPen Reader 8 then read the words aloud. For people with dyslexia, hearing text while seeing it reduces the effort of decoding, so more energy goes into understanding. Scanned text can also be saved as editable notes for revision or work.

What is the difference between the IRISPen Reader 8 and the IRISPen Air?

Both are cordless pen scanners, but they suit different needs. The IRISPen Reader 8 has a built-in LCD touchscreen, read-aloud text-to-speech, text highlighting and live voice recording, which makes it a strong all-round study tool. The IRISPen Air scans printed text line by line, reads it aloud, converts it into editable digital text and adds translation options, which helps learners who also need language support.

Should I choose a pen scanner or a desktop document scanner?

Choose a pen scanner for reading on the move and a desktop document scanner for whole pages and books. Pens such as the IRISPen Reader 8 capture a line at a time and fit in a pencil case. Desktop models such as the IRIScan Desk 6 Pro Dyslexic capture full pages up to A3 and work with the Readiris Dyslexic software to read documents aloud on a computer.

Can schools use IRIScan scanners to support pupils with an EHCP?

Yes, IRIScan scanners are a practical piece of assistive technology for SEND provision, including pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). SENCOs use pen scanners to give dyslexic pupils independent access to worksheets and reading books, and desktop scanners or the IRIScan Visualizer 7 with Readiris Dyslexic 2.0 to turn printed resources into digital text that can be read aloud, or to display them to the whole class.

Can Access to Work pay for a pen scanner for dyslexia?

Access to Work is a government scheme that can pay towards specialist equipment for eligible employees, and assistive technology such as pen scanners and document scanners is a common reasonable adjustment for dyslexia at work. Funding decisions are made by Access to Work after an assessment, so apply before you buy. Employers can also provide these tools under their Equality Act 2010 duty to make reasonable adjustments.

Are IRIScan pen scanners suitable for children to use at home?

Yes, IRIScan pen scanners suit home study for children and teenagers who are confident guiding a pen steadily along a line of text. Parents use them for homework, reading books and revision, because the pen reads words aloud and builds independence without an adult reading every page. For younger children, a desktop scanner that captures a whole page at once avoids the need for steady pen control.

Do IRIScan scanners work with languages other than English?

Yes, IRIScan products support several languages. The IRIScan Desk 6 Pro Dyslexic recognises text in up to 138 languages, and the IRISPen Air includes translation options for scanned text. This makes the range useful for multilingual families, pupils learning English as an additional language alongside dyslexia, and adults who read documents in more than one language at work.