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Comparative evaluation of technology solutions for supporting the writing of dyslexic children and adults

E. A. Draffan and Abi James

(1) TechDis, University of Sussex (2) Iansyst Ltd, Cambridge, UK ea@pavilion.co.uk

Abstract

Children and adults with dyslexia are increasingly using spell checking and word prediction programs to enable them to communicate in writing more effectively. However, with an ever increasing number of these software products on the market, teachers and other users find it difficult to discriminate which products will be most suitable for particular ages and specific needs. Users need a clear and well-researched framework that will help them to weigh up the information and evaluate these products, in order that they can differentiate between the various programs and their many features. In this paper we will report on our on-going collaborative research into the functionality and efficacy of these tools for supporting the learning and work of different types of dyslexic users. We will compare and contrast dyslexia-specific and mainstream spell checkers and word prediction packages in terms of their functionality. Using a number of real-life examples we will illustrate how these packages cope with the very wide range of dyslexic users' spelling and writing difficulties, and we will conclude by giving our recommendations on which programs are likely to be most suitable for the different stages within an educational setting.

Disclaimer: all the abstracts presented here have satisfied the academic committee as appropriate for presentation at an international conference. However, the material reflects the views of the authors, not necessarily those of the academic committee or the BDA. No endorsement of any approach, product or service is intended or implied.

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