Empowering Independence: Assistive Tech Toolkit Overview

For students in higher education, technology is often the bridge between potential and performance. Research shows that a significant majority of students with dyslexia benefit from digital tools that assist with reading, writing, and organization. By integrating assistive tech for dyslexia into their daily workflow, students can manage heavy course loads more effectively and develop the self-advocacy skills necessary for success in a fast-paced academic environment.

This guide serves as a practical roadmap for selecting and implementing the most effective tools available today.

What is Included in This Guide:

• Reading Support Tools: An exploration of text-to-speech extensions and software like Read&Write and Snap&Read that simplify complex vocabulary and improve comprehension.
• Writing & Note-Taking Assistance: Recommendations for dictation tools, smart pens, and organizational apps that help students capture information and express their ideas clearly.
• Audiobook Resources: A curated list of platforms such as Learning Ally and Bookshare that provide human-narrated and accessible digital books for literature and course materials.
• Executive Functioning Apps: Practical suggestions for digital planners, calendars, and focus tools to help students stay organized across all their devices.
• Accessibility Extensions: A breakdown of browser-based supports like Helperbird that allow for a fully customizable reading and writing experience.