Dyslexia Support South: Where hope meets learning
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Assistive Technology

Recently we attended an assistive technology workshop run by Catherine Brills and Tomas Roberts, from DTSL. They showed us different types of technology that can be used in the classroom or workplace by people with dyslexia. These are the notes from that workshop.

Technology discussed included;

  1. C-pen
  2. Word Q
  3. Mind mapping - Inspiration
  4. Speech to text
  5. Funding options
  6. Other informative websites

C-pen

  • The C-pen “reads and speaks” what the user scans (pictured above)
  • Can download what has been saved in the C-pen to Google docs (save to file on menu)
  • You can scan directly into a Google docs document.
  • It has a recorder that saves the audio file in MP3 format.
  • Can get one for a free trial, contact DTSL.


Word Q

  • Provides word prediction for spelling.
  • Some schools have this software.
  • You can change the settings to suit your needs, for example,
    • How many words are shown on the predictive list
    • Can set up topic lists (copy and paste off Google)
    • Change the type of voice.
  • Provides text-to-speech feedback by letting users hear letters, words, and sentences aloud as they are typed.
  • It can also recognize and correct creative, or phonetic, misspellings.
  • Provides usage examples for easily confused words and homonyms.


Can get a free trial.



Inspiration and Kidspiration


These are mind mapping tools.

  • Use for visual mapping, outlining, writing and making presentations, using text, symbols and pictures to represent their ideas.
  • Very good for brainstorming and has a Rapid Fire button to make this happen easily (This rapid fire button is an excellent feature as you do not spend time formatting the mind map and therefore losing your train of thought).
  • Do not have to set up text boxes etc – all done automatically.
  • Features a built-in text-to-speech function,
  • Has one-button transfer to a word processor
  • Can convert the mind map to bullet points (excellent!).


Neo Smart Pen

  • This is used for notetaking and transferring direct to the computer.
  • Have to use special paper (this can be photocopied in the format needed)
  • What you write is transferred to the computer from the paper.
  • It can transfer drawings, writing, whatever is written on the paper.


Speech to text – Dragon Naturally Speaking

This software converts speech into text on a computer so no writing is required.

  • For best results use a headphone with a microphone. Also, best if the plug on the headphones is a USB port.
  • Dragon Naturally speaking works on all other programmes eg Windows, Office
  • It has the facility to read back what has been typed.


The presenter talked about Dragon Naturally speaking being used in the classroom.

  • Kapiti College has found that the students need to have a digital recorder to use in the classroom and then use Dragon Naturally speaking at home.
  • Just using Dragon Naturally Speaking didn’t work well in the classroom.
  • The info from class is recorded by the students.
  • The recording can then be transferred into word using Dragon Naturally Speaking.
  • There is no tool (apparently) that can do this process in one go so you will need a digital recorder and Dragon Naturally Speaking.



Other speech to text options

Windows has the facility direct into is documents. Google Docs has it as well. These are ok but Dragon Naturally Speaking is more finetuned and easier to use from what I can gather.

Funding support for adults

  • Can apply for funding through Workbridge to purchase assistive technology tools.
  • Criteria is a C Grade assessment report. No expiry date on that report.
  • Application form is on line- download and complete. Local Workbridge office can assist with the application.

Contact details

Support Funds Central Processing Unit

Freephone: 0508967527

Email:



Funding support for children


The C-pen can be used by students for internal exams for NCEA as part of their special assessment conditions. Talk with your school about how this can be accommodated for.

MOE funding using the Assisted Technology process
To get the funding support with an Assisted Technology application to the Ministry of Education an assessment by the school or RTLB’s, such as Lucid LASS, in conjunction with the on-going assessing within the school can be the evidence needed to meet the process requirements. Work with your school to discuss this potential option.

Informative websites for assistive technology

The Codpast
DTSL Assistive Technology Store

Chris Cole, Learning Differences Adviser

March 2019

In this section

  • Types of learning differences
    • Dyslexia
    • Dyscalculia
    • Dysgraphia
    • Dyspraxia
    • Visual stress
    • Auditory Processing Disorder
    • Slower processing abilities
      • Slower processing at school and in the home
      • Slower processing and social relationships
  • Interventions available in Southland
  • Support in the Otago Region
  • Emotional impact
    • How parents can support their dyslexic child.
    • Anxiety
    • Low self esteem
    • Growth Mindset
    • Support agencies
    • Should I label my child dyslexic?
    • How can I help my child?
    • Strengths of Dyslexia
    • Increasing dyslexia awareness
    • Wellbeing support programmes
  • Assessment options in Southland and Otago
    • Dyslexia
    • Auditory Processing Disorder
    • Irlen Syndrome
  • School information
    • Choosing and transitioning to a new school
    • Study tips
    • Special Assessment Conditions
      • Special Assessment Conditions for NCEA
      • Assessment tools in Primary Schools
    • Funding and scholarships
    • Assistive technology
    • Who do I speak to at school?
    • Talking with your child’s school
    • Home learning tips
  • Resources
    • Download our printable flyers
    • “The Big Picture” DVD Hire
      • Our printable flyers
    • Books to read
      • Books for pre-teens and teens.
      • Books for parents
      • Books for children
      • Graphic Novels
    • The Value of Games
    • Tips for around the home
    • Decodable books
    • Assistive Technology
    • Ministry of Education dyslexia resource
    • Mind mapping
    • Working with dyslexic strengths
    • Be a ‘Strengths Detective’ - Learn how you can shine a light on your child’s dyslexic strengths to build self-awareness and resilience.
    • Executive Functioning
    • Dyslexia Friendly Invercargill City Library
  • Personal stories
    • Speech on Dyslexia by Milo Henry
    • A Mum’s Perspective
    • Diet and Nutrition for Learning & Behaviour - Our Experience

Dyslexia Support South and Growing Stars are programmes run by Learning Differences Aotearoa Trust.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is designed to assist parents, caregivers and educators by providing helpful information on the topics represented. It does not replace information provided by a qualified professional. Parents, caregivers and educators are encouraged to do their own research on programmes mentioned. Dyslexia Support South does not endorse or support any particular product or business.

© Dyslexia Support South 2023

Website by RS

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  • Parent Toolkit
    • Types of learning differences
      • Dyslexia
      • Dyscalculia
      • Dysgraphia
      • Dyspraxia
      • Visual stress
      • Auditory Processing Disorder
      • Slower processing abilities
        • Slower processing at school and in the home
        • Slower processing and social relationships
    • Interventions available in Southland
    • Support in the Otago Region
    • Emotional impact
      • How parents can support their dyslexic child.
      • Anxiety
      • Low self esteem
      • Growth Mindset
      • Support agencies
      • Should I label my child dyslexic?
      • How can I help my child?
      • Strengths of Dyslexia
      • Increasing dyslexia awareness
      • Wellbeing support programmes
    • Assessment options in Southland and Otago
      • Dyslexia
      • Auditory Processing Disorder
      • Irlen Syndrome
    • School information
      • Choosing and transitioning to a new school
      • Study tips
      • Special Assessment Conditions
        • Special Assessment Conditions for NCEA
        • Assessment tools in Primary Schools
      • Funding and scholarships
      • Assistive technology
      • Who do I speak to at school?
      • Talking with your child’s school
      • Home learning tips
    • Resources
      • Download our printable flyers
      • “The Big Picture” DVD Hire
        • Our printable flyers
      • Books to read
        • Books for pre-teens and teens.
        • Books for parents
        • Books for children
        • Graphic Novels
      • The Value of Games
      • Tips for around the home
      • Decodable books
      • Assistive Technology
      • Ministry of Education dyslexia resource
      • Mind mapping
      • Working with dyslexic strengths
      • Be a ‘Strengths Detective’ - Learn how you can shine a light on your child’s dyslexic strengths to build self-awareness and resilience.
      • Executive Functioning
      • Dyslexia Friendly Invercargill City Library
    • Personal stories
      • Speech on Dyslexia by Milo Henry
      • A Mum’s Perspective
      • Diet and Nutrition for Learning & Behaviour - Our Experience
  • School Toolkit
    • Catering for different types of learners
    • Creating a dyslexia-friendly classroom
      • Tips for the classroom
      • Dyslexia-friendly text and documents
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        • Universal Design for Learning
    • Specific learning difficulties and processing disorders
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      • Auditory Processing Disorder
        • Classroom accommodations for Auditory Processing Disorder
      • Slower processing abilities
    • Supporting SENCOs
    • Parent information evenings for your school community
    • Accommodations in the classroom
    • Decodable books
    • Information for teachers: Neil MacKay
    • Supporting home learning
    • Executive functioning in the classroom
    • NZQA National Qualifications for Specific Learning Differences
  • Growing Stars®
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    • Our Facilitators
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