Touch Typing Tutors for Dyslexia and SEND Learners

Touch typing tutors for dyslexia are structured software courses that teach children and adults to type without looking at the keyboard, using colour coding, real words and spoken instructions. For SEND learners with dyslexia, fluent typing frees attention for spelling, planning and ideas instead of hunting for keys.

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Around 1 in 10 people are dyslexic, according to the British Dyslexia Association, and many dyslexic pupils find handwriting and spelling slow and tiring. Our range brings together two typing tutors built with dyslexic learners in mind: Englishtype, developed by an educational psychologist, and the KAZ SEN/Dyslexia Edition, whose preference screen was developed with guidance from the Dyslexia Research Trust.

Why is touch typing helpful for children with dyslexia?

When typing becomes automatic, a child no longer has to think about where each letter is, so more attention goes on what they want to say. Local authority SEN guidance notes that teaching touch typing and letting pupils use a computer for written work helps them concentrate on the content of their writing. Typed work is also easy to correct and redraft, which can make writing feel less daunting.

What makes a touch typing tutor dyslexia-friendly?

A dyslexia-friendly typing tutor uses real words rather than random letter strings, combines sight, sound and movement, gives both spoken and written instructions, and keeps lessons short and highly structured. Englishtype touch typing for dyslexia uses real words from lesson 1, strong colour coding and a choice of background colours. KAZ lets learners choose their typeface, font size, colours and keyboard style before the course begins, then keeps those settings throughout.

How do I choose between Englishtype and KAZ?

Choose by age and learning style. Englishtype Junior is recommended for children up to 11 and Englishtype Senior for ages 12 to adult; both use lessons, games and rewards, with optional spelling lessons. KAZ suits learners from age 6, has Junior and Adult editions, and teaches the A to Z keys through short phrases rather than games. Englishtype and the KAZ download are installed on a Windows PC or Mac, while the KAZ 12-month online licence runs in a web browser.

Which typing tutors are best for schools and SENCOs?

For schools, self-directed typing tutors let a whole class or intervention group work at the same time, each at their own pace, which fits Quality First Teaching and the graduated approach. Where an EHCP or SEN support plan recommends keyboard skills or word processing, they give a structured route to fluent typing. Englishtype records key accuracy and awards certificates, and KAZ records speed and accuracy, giving SENCOs evidence of progress. For several pupils, choose KAZ school download licences or a multi-user licence rather than single copies.

Which typing tutor is best for learning at home?

For parents, both programs give spoken and written instructions, so children can practise in short sessions with little adult help. Englishtype keeps children motivated with trophies, certificates and outfits for its character, Qwerty, and the Englishtype Double Pack covers a younger and an older child. The KAZ SEN/Dyslexia Family Edition includes five licences, so parents can learn alongside their children. A comfortable keyboard helps too: see our assistive keyboards for dyslexia.

Browse the typing tutors below, explore more SEND assistive software for dyslexia, or contact our team for help choosing the right licence for your child or school.

 

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the best touch typing program for dyslexia?

Englishtype and the KAZ SEN/Dyslexia Edition are both touch typing tutors designed with dyslexic learners in mind. Englishtype was developed by an educational psychologist and uses colour coding, real words and games, with Junior and Senior versions. KAZ uses short phrases instead of games and a preference screen for typeface and colours. The best choice depends on age, learning style and device.

At what age should a child with dyslexia learn to touch type?

Englishtype recommends primary age as the ideal time to learn touch typing, with Englishtype Junior for children up to 11 and Senior for ages 12 and over. KAZ suits learners from age 6, with Junior and Adult editions. Starting before two-finger habits set in makes learning easier, and Englishtype Senior and KAZ Adult are designed for teenagers and adults.

Does touch typing help with spelling for dyslexia?

Touch typing tutors for dyslexia are designed to reinforce spelling while teaching keyboard skills. Englishtype uses real words from the first lesson and optional spelling lessons where learners see, hear and type each word. KAZ says its muscle-memory method reduces transposed letters. Typing also makes mistakes easy to correct, but it works alongside, not instead of, structured literacy teaching.

Can schools use typing tutors as part of SEN support or an EHCP?

Yes, schools can use touch typing tutors as part of SEN support or EHCP provision where a plan recommends keyboard skills or word processing. Self-directed lessons let a whole class or intervention group work at the same time, each at their own pace. Englishtype records key accuracy and awards certificates, and KAZ records speed and accuracy, giving SENCOs evidence of progress.

Can my child learn to touch type at home without help?

Yes, children can practise touch typing at home with little adult help, because Englishtype and KAZ both give spoken and written instructions and are designed for short, independent sessions. Englishtype keeps motivation high with games, trophies and certificates, while KAZ uses calm, structured modules and saves bookmarks so children can pick up where they left off.

Do I need to install typing tutor software?

Not always. Englishtype and the KAZ download editions are installed on a Windows PC or Mac, and the KAZ download only needs the internet to download and activate. The KAZ 12-month online licence runs in a web browser, so there is nothing to install. For proper touch typing practice, use a computer with a physical keyboard.