Beyond ChatGPT - Further resources for supporting dyslexic university students | Dyslexia UK

Beyond ChatGPT – Further resources for supporting dyslexic university students

October 2, 2023 Keir Williams Comments Off

Dyslexia-friendly learning materials, websites, and tools can provide valuable support to individuals with dyslexia during their university studies. Whilst this series has focused upon ChatGPT and how it can be utalised to benefit students with dyslexia, there are many other assistive technologies which can also aid dyslexic students in their studies. Here are some resources that can enhance the learning experience and help overcome challenges associated with dyslexia:

The BDA is a reputable organisation that offers a range of resources and information specifically tailored to support individuals with dyslexia. Their website provides access to guides, tutorials, and articles related to dyslexia and learning strategies. Visit their website at: www.bdadyslexia.org.uk.

Dyslex.io is an online platform that offers dyslexia-friendly fonts and formatting options for digital reading. These fonts are specifically designed to improve readability and reduce visual stress for individuals with dyslexia. The platform also provides helpful tips and techniques to enhance reading and comprehension. www.dyslex.io.

Read&Write is an assistive technology tool that offers features such as text-to-speech, word prediction, and spelling and grammar checking. It can be particularly beneficial for dyslexic students who struggle with reading and writing. Read&Write integrates with popular word processing programs and web browsers, making it easy to use across different platforms. www.texthelp.com/en-gb/products/read-write

MindMeister is a web-based mind mapping tool that can assist with organising and structuring thoughts and ideas. Dyslexic students often benefit from visual representations of concepts, and mind mapping can help them visualise connections between different topics or subtopics. MindMeister allows users to create and collaborate on mind maps, making it a useful tool for brainstorming, note-taking, and studying. www.mindmeister.com

Referencing and citation can be challenging for dyslexic students. EasyBib is an online tool that automates the process of generating citations in various citation styles, such as APA, MLA, and Chicago. By simply entering the required information, EasyBib formats the citation correctly, saving time and reducing the risk of errors. www.easybib.com

Spreeder is a speed reading tool that can benefit dyslexic students who struggle with a slow reading pace. It helps users improve reading speed and comprehension by presenting text in a rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) format. Spreeder allows users to adjust the reading speed and customise the settings according to their preferences. www.spreeder.com.

OpenDyslexic is a free, open-source font specifically designed for individuals with dyslexia. This font incorporates unique letter shapes and spacing to enhance readability and reduce confusion between similar letters. It can be downloaded and installed on computers, making it accessible across various applications and platforms. Download the OpenDyslexic Font from: www.opendyslexic.org.

Project Gutenberg offers a vast collection of free e-books, including classic literature and educational texts. Dyslexic students can access these books in various formats, such as plain text or EPUB, and use assistive technology tools to enhance readability, such as adjusting font size or utilising text-to-speech functionality. www.gutenberg.org.

Voice Dream Reader is a mobile app that converts text into spoken words, allowing dyslexic students to listen to their course materials or other written content. The app supports a wide range of file formats and offers customisable reading options to suit individual preferences. www.voicedream.com

Study Skills Workshops and Support Services: Many universities provide study skills workshops and support services specifically designed for students with dyslexia. These workshops offer guidance on effective study techniques, time management, note-taking strategies, and other essential skills. Contact your university’s disability support services or learning development centre to inquire about available workshops and resources.

Remember, these resources and tools should complement other support mechanisms and strategies for individuals with dyslexia. It’s essential to work closely with your university’s support services, lecturers, and peers to create a comprehensive support network tailored to your specific needs.

To read the first article in this series, click here: https://www.dyslexiauk.co.uk/overcoming-dyslexia-in-higher-education-how-chatgpt-is-changing-the-game/