Top Assistive Technology Tools for Students With Learning Differences

In the 2022–23 school year, 7.5 million students aged 3 to 21 received special education services under IDEA, up from 6.4 million a decade earlier.1 Assistive technology tools can help students access lessons, complete assignments, communicate, and work more independently.

A learning difference can create a barrier between what a student knows and how easily they can demonstrate it. Assistive technology can reduce that barrier without replacing instruction.

What Is Assistive Technology and Why Does It Matter?

Assistive technology includes tools and systems that improve a student's ability to participate in learning. These supports range from simple visual schedules to text-to-speech software and specialized communication devices.

A student who struggles to decode a textbook may use text-to-speech. A student with strong ideas but difficulty handwriting may dictate a first draft. These supports can shift attention toward comprehension and expression.

Assistive technology can also support independence. Students may rely less on adults to read instructions, organize assignments, or record ideas, which can build confidence and self-advocacy.

Reading Support Tools

Students with dyslexia and other reading differences may devote so much effort to decoding that less attention remains for comprehension. Reading technology can provide another way to access grade-level content while students continue building literacy skills.

• Text-to-speech: Text-to-speech software converts digital text into spoken language. Many tools highlight words as they are read, allowing students to see and hear the material together. This can support word recognition, attention, and comprehension.
• Audiobooks: Audiobooks provide another option for accessing books through listening. Students can listen while following printed or digital text, adjust playback speed, and revisit difficult passages.
• Screen readers: Screen readers can read digital content aloud and may provide navigation features that help students move through documents or websites.

Options include built-in accessibility features, Microsoft Immersive Reader, Bookshare, and Learning Ally. The best choice depends on the student's needs and reading material.

Writing and Expression Tools

Students who struggle with handwriting, spelling, keyboarding, or organizing thoughts may benefit from tools that separate generating ideas from recording them.

• Speech-to-text software: Allow students to dictate words that appear as written text. This can help a student capture ideas more efficiently before revising the draft.
• Word-prediction software: Suggests words as a student types, which can reduce demands related to spelling and keyboarding.
• Grammar and spelling tools: Help students identify possible errors and review their work.

These supports are most useful when paired with instruction that teaches students how to plan, revise, and evaluate their own writing.

Organization and Executive Function Tools

Students with ADHD or executive functioning challenges may understand their coursework but have difficulty managing time, starting tasks, tracking materials, or remembering deadlines. Organization tools can make these processes more visible and manageable.

• Visual timers: Show how much time remains for a task.
• Digital planners and calendar reminders: Can break large assignments into smaller steps and help students keep track of responsibilities.
• Graphic organizers: Help students map ideas before writing or studying.
• Note-taking apps: Keep class information in one searchable place.

A small number of tools used consistently can be more helpful than several apps that create another system to manage.

Communication and Mobility Aids

Assistive technology also includes tools for students with communication, sensory, or physical disabilities.

• Communication devices: Augmentative and alternative communication devices can help students who have difficulty using speech express ideas, answer questions, and participate in class.
• Tools for visual impairments: Screen readers, magnification, and refreshable Braille displays can provide access to written and digital information.
• Physical access tools: Adapted keyboards, switches, eye-gaze systems, and mobility equipment can help students with physical disabilities access learning activities and their environments.

These tools can support academic participation, communication, movement, and social interaction.

How to Choose the Right Tools for Your Child

Start with the barrier, not the product. Families and educators can use a simple process to identify technology that fits the student's needs:

1. Identify the specific task that is difficult: This might include decoding text, recording written ideas, remembering assignments, or communicating during class.
2. Consider tools designed to address that need: The technology should respond to a specific learning barrier rather than simply add another tool to the student's routine.
3. Involve the student: A tool provides little value if it feels cumbersome or does not fit the student's routine.
4. Ask teachers and specialists for input: Teachers and assistive technology specialists can help evaluate options and provide training.

The learning environment matters too. At Lydian Academy, our boutique, private independent school uses one-to-one instruction to build learning around each student's needs, strengths, and pace. Our mastery-based approach gives students time to develop understanding before moving forward.

Students can learn through customized classes on campus or online. Both formats allow teachers to adjust instruction and help students use strategies that support their individual learning profiles. 

Contact Lydian Academy today to learn how our personalized learning environments can help your student succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is assistive technology for students with learning differences?

Assistive technology is any device, software, equipment, or system used to improve a student's ability to complete learning tasks. Examples include text-to-speech, dictation software, visual schedules, and graphic organizers.

How do text-to-speech tools help students with dyslexia?

Text-to-speech reads digital text aloud and may highlight each word as it is spoken. This can reduce the decoding demands of an assignment and allow a student to focus more attention on meaning and comprehension.

What assistive technology works best for students with ADHD?

The right tool depends on the student's specific challenges. Visual timers, reminders, digital planners, task lists, and note-taking tools can support time management, task initiation, and organization.

Is assistive technology only for students with severe disabilities?

No. Assistive technology includes simple, widely available supports as well as specialized devices. Students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, executive functioning challenges, communication differences, and physical or sensory disabilities may use AT.

Are assistive technology tools expensive or covered by schools?

Many useful tools are free or already built into common computers, tablets, and phones. Under IDEA, schools must consider assistive technology for students receiving special education services, and required AT included in an eligible student's IEP must be provided at no cost to the family.

Sources:

1. National Center for Education Statistics. Students With Disabilities.