Assisted Technologies for Phonological Dyslexia

The development of computer relatedpackage that is specialized to work in a
technologies to assist readers who have fluencycompatible manner with many phonologically based
or decoding problems is certainly a recenttutoring programs designed to assist readers
development. However, in the last several years,increase the accuracy of their decoding, and the
the technology and sophistication of some of thefluency of their reading skills. Lexia is a graduated
software programs designed to assist individualsprogram that works with readers to increase
with reading difficulties has been trulyphonemic awareness through syllabification, tasks
revolutionary.utilizing elision, reading of non-sense words or
The Kurzweil 3000 reading programphonologs, as well as rhyming and other
(Kurzweiledu.com) is a software package thatpronunciation tasks.
enables readers to scan in text from any bookRecording for the Blind and Dyslexic, which is a
they are reading, and then reads the text aloud inwebsite where recorded books on CD can be
a modulated voice. In addition, the text isborrowed, is a very valuable resource as well, as
highlighted, and definitions and synonyms of anyit provides a large lending library for those
word in the text is offered. In addition, thestudents who might benefit from listening to
program has functions that include syllabification,books. This resource should never replace the
spelling of various words, as well as reading textdevelopment of reading skills, but can be an
at different rates of speed. Study skills includeinvaluable tool in increasing reading comprehension
virtual sticky notes, different colored markersand improving academic performance. More
that allow students to highlight salient information,information on this website can be obtained at
and the ability to extract this data in a separaterfbd.org.
document. The Kurzweil program also has someThe development of computer related
powerful writing enhancement strategies includingtechnologies to assist readers who have fluency
a word predictor function and editing tools thator decoding problems is certainly a recent
sharpen and develop writing skills. Lastly, thedevelopment. However, in the last several years,
Kurzweil program allows for the downloading ofthe technology and sophistication of some of the
thousands of audio books and the aural reading ofsoftware programs designed to assist individuals
text contained in many websites.with reading difficulties has been truly
The Lexia Reading Program is another softwarerevolutionary.