Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Editorial Team
Living in the digital era, resources like apps, ebooks, websites, etc. make our lives easier. Targeting each and every set of audiences, we even have digital resources for individuals with learning disabilities like dyslexia. One of the handy resources is apps.
The portability, intuitive nature, and accessibility of these apps allow dyslexic adults to gain the much-needed momentum they need to be at par in their lives. This post shall aim to highlight the struggles and barriers in the life of an adult with dyslexia, along with how they function to succeed. It will also share insight about a few applications that can aid the completion of daily life tasks for a dyslexic adult.
Living with dyslexia as an adult, and the struggle
Living with a learning disability always has some non-specific effects on emotional and mental health, along with work difficulties. To begin with dyslexia, it has been shown to have a strong impact on the personality, motivation levels, and cognitive strength of an individual.
These being common to adults and children, some issues that are exclusive to the life of an adult, dealing with the world on a daily basis could include:
- Managing finances
- Inability to maintain their coping mechanisms while catering to their responsibilities.
- Inability to keep up with supportive relationships and peers
- Messy handwriting, and the inability to express themselves through words, also create barriers in the workplace.
- Being a parent and more
Applications to aid the function of adults with dyslexia
1. Google Playbooks
Google Play Books are one of the most popular and accessible audiobooks available online. It is an important support medium for people with dyslexia as it helps their understanding and listening skills. They are available in many different languages and can be accessed using Google accounts. Furthermore, they are reasonably priced and available in different categories as per the needs.
There are a plethora of e-books, audiobooks, help books, and books for specially-abled individuals. The audiobooks provide a cumulative experience of human-narrated stories and texts. These are the best medium to improve one’s fluency, memory recollection, and writing skills.
One of the reasons it stands out as the best is the recognition and accessibility it provides to dyslexics. The audio is thoroughly articulated and enhances the vocabulary of adults. They are categorized as per the different sections and age-appropriate. In the end, Google Audiobooks will improve word recognition skills and focus and boost confidence in reading and writing.
App Link: Play store | App store
2. Ginger
Powered by the best and state-class software backed by Apple, Ginger stands out as one of the best options for dyslexics. The audiobooks presented in it provide great word-building and decoding of complex sentences. It is available on a 30-day free trial basis. After the free period, anyone can apply for reliable and pocket-efficient plans anytime.
One of the outstanding features that catch the right moment is its accessibility technology which keeps a check on the texts. It keeps them error-free and supports vocabulary-building practice for dyslexics. The application uses artificial intelligence to check the sentences overall constantly. The sentence structure and the idea of comprehension are thus retained.
There are suggestions regularly that help dyslexics learn new words and also understand their meanings. Lastly, not just vocabulary, the algorithm keeps a check on punctuation and the order of the words to provide the best meaning of the entire text.
App link: Play store | App store
3. OCR Instantly Pro
Nowadays, text-to-speech and voice recognition are the easiest and most accessible tools that have been providing support for people with dyslexia. OCR helps dyslexics visually capture any form of a written document and convert it into text and audio. It is available to download on Android and iOS phones. Thus, any hardcover document can be converted into a basic audiobook.
The text can be copied and transferred to any form of textual format, such as PDF, word, text, or document. It is considered easy to edit, save, and share with colleagues over text and email. OCR helps dyslexics to read any text and listen to the same within no time. The conversion process is quick and efficient as well as reliable. It allows accurate highlighting and audible pronunciation of complex words.
OCR transforms any document into an easily understandable audiobook, which can be easily transferred and is portable. It also allows dyslexics to change the font size, color, and type of the fonts as per their understanding and convenience. They can make changes anytime and from any text formatting software.
App link: Play store
4. Ghotit
This simple writer software integrates advanced writing and writing assistant technologies to optimize dyslexics’ abilities. This application is quite popular for Apple users suffering from disorders such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and other English writing difficulties.
The Ghotit real writer spell checker keeps a check on the correction of misspelled words and misused punctuations. It analyses the grammar errors and has an integrated word prediction and a proofreader. The interface primarily focuses on spelling correction from mild to severe scale.
The highlight of the application is its advanced context and phonetic algorithms, which are patent-approved and offer accurate corrections. The highlighting of the text helps adults check their mistakes and enhance their reading and writing skills. Therefore, the main options of the app provide simple, clear, and easy-to-read text from any textual document.
App link: Web App
5. Claro Speak
Claro Speak develops technology for dyslexics to improve their reading and writing difficulties. Dyslexics can choose their text-to-speech voice in male and female as well as different accents and 30 different languages. It facilitates better concentration, accurate spelling, and a thorough understanding of the content.
There are other tools such as screen tinting and accurate word pronunciation. There is a correct explanation of every incorrect word in the text. It uses a high-quality text-to-speech medium to read PDFs, Text, Word documents, and Emails. Dyslexics can also proofread documents by using tools like picture spellcheck and homophones.
Claro Speak has been extensively used in educational institutions to promote reading. The hover-over option will read aloud the words, meanings, and definitions. The instant text-to-speech option is quick and easy to use. This is a reliable option while considering speech synthesis, word prediction, and spellcheck.
App Link: Play Store | App Store | Web App
6. Inspiration Maps
Inspiration Maps are efficient and user-supportive thinking and learning tools. It can break down a concept into a simple format or understand complex processes. It helps dyslexics to comprehend, create, and communicate knowledge effectively. The application’s learning approach is focused on clear visuals and unique pictorial representation.
It allows dyslexics to create visually engaging flowcharts that accommodate different visual cues. These cues range from images, symbols, and colors. Moreover, you can also add verbal clues such as keywords and important notes. A unique feature, rapid wire allows a quick capture and organization of ideas before one forgets them. It makes hand-drawn mind mapping a surreal and innovative experience.
It can be downloaded on iOS, Windows, and Android. This application serves the purpose of a textual and visual companion, specifically designed to work as a great support system for dyslexic adults. Not only are Inspiration Maps quite efficient, but they are also flexible and easy to use, helping dyslexics to progress more in their respective fields.
7. Omoguru
This app focuses on easy reading by allowing users to select books in any online library and customize the text per their needs. This application is programmed by an array of experienced speech therapists, experts in dyslexia treatment, and designers. The sole purpose of Omoguru is to make reading convenient and easy to understand for dyslexics.
Dyslexics can choose any text from an online library and customize it using the app’s many features. One can choose from various font types, sizes, and setups. They can also work on easier word decoding, highlighting specific syllables, and letter spacing. There are two types of reading styles such as scrolling and swiping. Both these reading styles are equipped with specific tools to make reading easier. Dyslexics will be able to focus on every word and not be terrified by the length of the text.
Omoguru makes reading easier, swift, and more engaging for dyslexics. The interface and algorithm of the application are designed to provide high and efficient readability. This benefits dyslexic individuals to work and improve their coding of the letters in the text. The different variants of fonts not only work for people who have dyslexia and those who struggle with reading.
App link: Play store
8. Tint Vision
This free-to-download software is helpful for dyslexics by generating a colored overlay on their computer and mobile screens. It minimizes the stress on the user’s eyes during long reading and screen time hours. Available for Android, it provides different types of fonts termed dyslexia friendly.
The draggable underliner tool is one of the application’s striking features. The font size, line spacing, and text-to-speech tools make it easier for dyslexics to read lengthy paragraphs of text. One can also change the display of the text, colors, hue, saturation, and high contrast of the font’s color. The application also allows transparency of the text and provides a fruitful reading experience.
App link: Play store
9. TAP – Teen and Adults Phonics Library
This application is available for Android and iOS devices. It consists of several novels, stories, and reading material, especially for younger audiences. This online library is a perfect amalgamation of sequential phonics, dynamic literature, and authentic phonics. The stories, on the whole, provide a comfortable reading environment and enhance the confidence and reading skills of dyslexics.
The stories aim to improve reading skills and a better understanding of complex sentences. The stories in the library are fluid and comprehensive. They are categorized in different sections as per the genres and popular trends. These stories are specially created and formulated by experts to overcome the reading challenges posed by dyslexia. Users can purchase stories from the online library.
It promotes a sound vocabulary and easy writing while getting a deeper understanding of the language. Moreover, it will allow the strengthening of memory recollection and increase the learning speed of dyslexics.
App link: App store
10. Leo
Dyslexics will be able to break down long and detailed comprehensive paragraphs into simple understanding stories through Leo. It has made the reading experience viable and easy for dyslexics. This application has removed certain barriers in education and work. Furthermore, they are reasonably priced and available in different categories as per the needs.
The app makes it quite easy for dyslexics to be comfortable with any type of format that comes along. The text-to-speech tool is a helping hand for adults who want to proofread their work thoroughly. It can be used on any document ranging from PDF, MS Word, and Google Docs. The spell check algorithm maintains the phonetic nature and assists dyslexics concerning words that look reversed.
The application benefits people with dyslexia by transforming their texts with easy font customization and organization in different texts. They can also listen to and watch books along with a text-based reading experience. The application is free and easy to access for dyslexics and uses new and unique ways to access textual data.
App link: App store
Personal and professional life of an adult with dyslexia
Being an incurable yet manageable disorder allows adults with a diagnosis since childhood to find their way around the barriers more easily. However, adults who have come to terms with their diagnosis find it extremely difficult to acknowledge, accept, and accommodate the disability and its consequences in their lives. This can be altered through seeking mental health support, either as an individual in therapy or seeking insight in group therapy or support groups.
It is possible for a delayed diagnosis to spill over its repercussions in other aspects of the individual’s life, like relationships. Since the disorder is bound to affect the personality and behavior of an individual, it definitely becomes difficult for an adult to sustain and grow in their relationships, irrespective of the timeline of their diagnosis.
A research study[1] highlighting the “factors affecting work participation of adults with dyslexia” shows how the effect of developmental dyslexia increases with the course of life and requires positive influences to overcome the negative aspects of those areas.
These could involve:
- Different forms of adaptation
- Compensation through accommodations provided by government policies
- Coping with the right set of resources and tools.
- Using technology to ease the process of completion of daily tasks.
Having said that, technology can be as compatible as the tap of an app on our phones to carry portable devices that add mechanics to our tasks, making them easier.
Conclusion
The stigma around disability is majorly due to a lack of awareness among individuals. Challenges that come along with a learning deficit, along with the barriers created by society, make it rather difficult for adults with dyslexia to lead a normal life. However, various provisions and policies under government jurisdiction, mental health support, tools, and resources can aid an individual to function at their optimum potential.
This article shares a similar viewpoint and highlights the struggles and the functioning of an adult with dyslexia, along with a list of applications that provide room for improved and inclusive functioning of individuals with dyslexia, irrespective of their age groups.
Reference
- de Beer, J., Engels, J., Heerkens, Y. et al. Factors influencing work participation of adults with developmental dyslexia: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 14, 77 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-14-77
An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’,