{"id":735,"date":"2025-06-09T11:52:53","date_gmt":"2025-06-09T10:52:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/?page_id=735"},"modified":"2026-05-18T14:09:23","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T13:09:23","slug":"assistive-tech-for-dyslexia-support","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/assistive-tech-for-dyslexia-support\/","title":{"rendered":"Assistive Tech for Reading, Writing &amp; Summarising"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Tools to help you read smarter, write clearer, and make sense of information faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Find tools to help you read, write, and summarise more effectively \u2014 whether you\u2019re studying with dyslexia or just want to make learning easier. From text-to-speech and speech-to-text software to AI tools that turn long readings into clear summaries, these resources can save you time, reduce stress, and help you focus on understanding rather than decodings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Writing Support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>If spelling, grammar, or getting started feels tricky, these tools help you express your ideas clearly.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/2024\/12\/19\/your-guide-to-texthelp-readwrite\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/2024\/12\/19\/your-guide-to-texthelp-readwrite\/\"><strong>Read&amp;Write<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/strong> \u2013 reads text aloud, offers word prediction, screen masking and spelling support. <em>(Available via Chrome and Edge extension, log in via Microsoft with QUB email and password)<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-gb\/microsoft-365\/microsoft-editor\">Microsoft Editor<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 built-in grammar and style checker in Word and Edge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/2025\/02\/13\/unlocking-accessibility-microsoft-365-tools-for-inclusive-learning\/\">Dictation (Windows, Mac, or mobile)<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 turns speech into text when typing is tiring.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/2024\/12\/19\/your-guide-to-mindview\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/2024\/12\/19\/your-guide-to-mindview\/\"><strong>MindView<\/strong><\/a><\/strong> \u2013 visual mind-mapping tool that helps you plan essays, structure reports, and create summaries. You can export your mind maps directly to Word or PowerPoint to start writing faster. (<em>To request access to Scholarcy, contact <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/assistivetechnology@qub.ac.uk\"><strong>Assistive Technology <\/strong><\/a><\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/2025\/02\/19\/introducing-goblin-tools-ai-powered-support-for-neurodivergent-thinkers\/\">Goblin Tools<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 free online and app-based tool that can break down tasks, check tone, and help with planning \u2014 great if you struggle with getting started on writing tasks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/support.apple.com\/en-gb\/guide\/mac-help\/mh27448\/mac#:~:text=You%20can%20have%20your%20Mac%20speak%20the%20text%20in%20dialogs,turn%20on%20%E2%80%9CSpeak%20announcements.%E2%80%9D\">Apple Speak Screen &amp; Spoken Content<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 built-in tool to read out any text on screen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\/accessibility\/android\/answer\/7349565?hl=en-GB\">Android Select-to-Speak &amp; Text-to-Speech<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 reads out text on Android devices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\/docs\/answer\/4492226?hl=en-GB\">Google Docs Voice Typing<\/a><\/strong> (Chrome browser) \u2013 free voice dictation tool to help with writing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summarising &amp; Understanding <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Perfect for tackling long readings or lecture notes when you\u2019re short on time.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/2025\/04\/01\/two-ai-tools-every-student-should-know-reclaimai-notebooklm\/\">NotebookLM (Google)<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 summarises and explains your own uploaded notes, research papers, or readings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-gb\/microsoft-copilot\/for-individuals?msockid=16592d42e2606d7a11353b02e3a86ce0&amp;form=MA13YT\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-gb\/microsoft-copilot\/for-individuals?msockid=16592d42e2606d7a11353b02e3a86ce0&amp;form=MA13YT\">Microsoft Co-pilot<\/a><\/strong><\/strong> \u2013 summarises documents, rephrases complex sections, and creates revision questions in Word or Edge. \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\ud83d\udc49 <em>Check out our Copilot guide: <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/2025\/10\/02\/using-ai-safely-and-smartly-at-qub\/\">Using AI Safely &amp; Smartly<\/a><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/edge\/learning-center\/how-to-use-pdf-reader-in-microsoft-edge?form=MA13I2\">Edge PDF Reader with Copilot<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 reads PDFs aloud, summarises and simplifies documents in the browser.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/edge\/features\/immersive-reader?form=MA13FJ\">Microsoft Immersive Reader<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 built into Word, OneNote, Teams, Outlook, Edge browser. Reads text aloud, simplifies page layout, offers line focus and colour changes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/speechify.com\/?utm_campaign=GammaGBP&amp;utm_content=604452764595&amp;utm_campaign=Search-Gamma-USD&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=search-gamma-USD&amp;utm_content=gamma-kw&amp;utm_term=realistic%20text%20to%20voice&amp;gc_id=21365183410&amp;h_ad_id=701683193276&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21365183410&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAogD2qDuORFOx_ezacCf0DQHBTXjZ&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw3tzHBhBREiwAlMJoUnz6y68ldAxQDuje6rN2-E_TRQ3GxqNwSXuBMRhLui4yIVX_ZmTNCRoCifMQAvD_BwE\"><strong>Speechify <\/strong><\/a> (free online version) &#8211; turns any text\u2014like articles, PDFs, or emails\u2014into audio you can listen to in natural, celebrity voices (yes, even Snoop Dogg and Gwyneth Paltrow!) and now even lets you create your own mini podcasts from what you\u2019re reading.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/support.apple.com\/en-gb\/guide\/iphone\/iphdc30e3b86\/ios\"><strong>Safari Reader View<\/strong> <\/a>(Mac, iPad, iPhone) \u2013 strips out ads and clutter from web pages for easier reading.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/support.microsoft.com\/en-gb\/windows\/use-voice-typing-to-talk-instead-of-type-on-your-pc-fec94565-c4bd-329d-e59a-af033fa5689f\">Windows Voice Typing (Win+H)<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 lets you dictate text directly into Word and many other apps.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.naturalreaders.com\/\">Natural Reader<\/a><\/strong> (free online version) \u2013 listen to websites and documents being read aloud.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>ChatGPT \/ Google Gemini \/ Microsoft Copilot<\/strong> \u2013 summarise, simplify, and explain key sections of your academic readings. For guidance on responsible and ethical use of AI in your studies, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/digitallearning\/ai\/\">QUB AI Hub.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quick Tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2705Try using <strong>Immersive Reader<\/strong> in Word to simplify reading and listen to documents.<br>\u2705 Use <strong>mind mapping<\/strong> tools like MindView to plan before writing \u2014 this helps with structure and flow.<br>\u2705 Listen to your own writing with <strong>Read&amp;Write<\/strong> or <strong>Natural Reader<\/strong> to check for errors and improve clarity.<br>\u2705 Use <strong>voice typing<\/strong> or <strong>dictation<\/strong> when words are hard to get onto the page.<br>\u2705 Try <strong>Goblin Tools<\/strong> to help break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2705 Try using the <strong>Edge PDF Reader with Copilot<\/strong> to help summarise and understand long PDFs \u2014 you can ask Copilot to explain key sections or simplify academic language. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Explore More Tools<\/strong><br>If you&#8217;re looking for extra support with reading, writing, and study strategies, <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/dyslexiahub.ie\/technology\/\">Dyslexia Hub&#8217;s Technology page<\/a> is packed with helpful guides. While focused on dyslexia, many of the tools and tips are relevant for students with a wide range of needs\u2014from ADHD to visual stress to general learning preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83e\uddf0 Getting Started with Assistive Tech<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Not sure where to begin? Here\u2019s how to choose the right tools:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Know Your Needs<\/strong> \u2013 What\u2019s most challenging for you?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pick Your Style<\/strong> \u2013 Visual learner? Prefer voice tools?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Start Small<\/strong> \u2013 Try 1\u20132 tools before adding more<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Check Device Compatibility<\/strong> \u2013 Apple, Android, Windows, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Explore &amp; Adapt<\/strong> \u2013 Try free versions and see what sticks<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83c\udfaf Try this:&nbsp;<strong>AHEAD\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ahead.ie\/Discover-your-AT\">\u201cDiscover your AT\u201d tool<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp; helps match tools to your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/view.genially.com\/67c966440a6fe4a101653b97\/interactive-content-ai-and-accessibility\"><strong>AI and Accessibility Interactive Guide<\/strong> \u2013 explore AI tools that support neurodivergent ways of working<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Support and Training<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qub.ac.uk\/directorates\/sgc\/learning\/One-to-OneAppointments\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.qub.ac.uk\/directorates\/sgc\/learning\/One-to-OneAppointments\/\">Learning Development Service<\/a> (LDS) offers free one-to-one appointments for undergraduate students at Queen\u2019s to help build confidence and support independent learning. Book through Microsoft Bookings or contact lds@qub.ac.uk for support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49IT Helpdesk: For licensing issues or technical support, reach out to the QUB IT Helpdesk.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2401,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-735","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","comments-off"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/735","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2401"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=735"}],"version-history":[{"count":28,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/735\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1810,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/735\/revisions\/1810"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=735"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}