This means that a SENCo must have assessed the student and have concluded that they need additional arrangements (a computer reader, for example) in the classroom. Provided this support was used regularly, it would be considered a candidate’s ‘normal way of working’ and be permitted in an exam. Become a fluent and independent reader and improve literacy with the help of ReaderPen. What is ReaderPen? How sensitive each device is to things like being held improperly, jittering or shaking or hesitating really varies, with some devices being pretty tolerant and others less so.

Reading pens are handheld devices that use OCR ( optical character recognition) technology to scan printed lines of text and read them aloud. They are a great alternative to human readers and valuable for people with visual impairments, dyslexia, and other reading difficulties. They can be an excellent assistive tool for people with age-related vision changes and those without visual or reading impairments who find reading through text to speech more convenient or less straining. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best pen for reading depends on an individual’s needs and preferences. What is a reading pen for dyslexia?One piece of good news came out of the JCQ’s supplementary documentaimed at SENCos and assessors, in which they state: For information on assistive technology that can help people with dyslexia go to: https://dyslexiauk.co.uk/weekly-blog/f/neurodiverse-friendly-apps-for-dyslexia,- apps-for-dyscalculia and https://dyslexiauk.co.uk/weekly-blog/f/dyslexia-friendly-word-prediction-software People, particularly children and young adults, can have difficult emotions associated with reading difficulties and dyslexia. It’s not at all uncommon for students to be embarrassed or feel that people are judging them for their disability. That these pens tend to look like highlighters and can have headphone attachments means that if your child is sensitive about their reading difficulties, particularly in public, they can use these devices without drawing too much attention to themselves. What’s more, our updated iPad version of DocsPlus now features the DocReader and Exam Mode for the first time, giving you more choice when deciding your students’ technology provision.

A lot of these pens claim to support and translate dozens of languages. However, they are built from OCR technologies that can often make more mistakes with non-Latin characters ( Japanese kanji, for example, is often an issue). Multi-Language DictionariesNot sure about a word? Then the C-Pen Reader 2™ contains a range of high-quality electronic dictionaries, including:The JCQ released their latest update to the access arrangements guidance for England and Wales earlier this term. Although it is likely that only students in England will be taking exams next summer, it is still worth exploring the changes regarding the use of technology. The major downside to all that is that you’re tethered to some kind of device (even if it’s just your phone) and the apps developed by the companies can sometimes be hit or miss when it comes to ease of use. Reading pens are suitable for people with visual impairments or reading difficulties. However, their effectiveness depends on an individual’s specific needs. What are the benefits of using a reading pen?

Lastly, the Livescribe Echo Smartpen. This records everything you write and hear, so you never miss a thing. You can then transfer your notes to your computer. Ideal for anyone with dyslexia and who needs to record lectures or meetings. However this does not scan and read text aloud. https://www.dyslexic.com/product/livescribe-2gb-echo-smartpen/ Reading aids, such as colored overlays, reading rulers, and text highlighters, are also helpful tools for individuals with dyslexia. These aids can help reduce visual stress and improve reading fluency and comprehension. Assistive technologyhas become essential for many people, allowing them to navigate their daily tasks more efficiently. Reading pens are one of the gadgets that can significantly help people with visual impairments or reading disabilities. However, not everyone may find reading pens suitable for their needs, so we’ll discuss some alternatives. What are reading pens? The next change I thought was noteworthy was the amendment to the use of computer readers in Maths and Science examinations. The guidance states that computer readers:Introducing C-Pen Reader 2 ™, the next generation of assistive reading tools designed to put even more control into the user’s hands. Whether studying or simply reading for pleasure, this new and improved reading pen features enhanced AI to improve accessibility, and boost reading confidence. A Reading Aid for the Hybrid Age Speechify AI Avatars & Video Create polished videos without any actors or equipment. Turn any text into high-quality videos with AI avatars and voiceovers – in minutes.

Can reliably hold it at an angle (usually 60-90 degrees) while scanning across text for an extended period of time When considering alternatives to reading pens, it’s important to note that the tool that will work best for users depends on their specific needs and the disability or condition they need to mitigate. For instance, tools that may be helpful for young students with dyslexia may not be useful for visually impaired adults, and vice versa. Educational apps Everything is built-in and there is no need or requirement for internet connection. Develop the ability to read and understand It’s a really positive sign that the JCQ are advocating the use of technology, as it can have huge benefits for students who struggle with reading and writing.

What are alternatives to reading pens?

Notable reading pens on the market include the C-Pen Reader Pen, C-Pen Exam Reader, OrCam, and the Wizcom ReadingPen. ExamReader is a convenient portable off-line assistive text reader for printed text. Scan text with this state-of-the-art device and have text read out to you aloud in real time. Everything, including the natural speaking voices, is embedded in this off-line device and there is no need for computer or internet connections. ExamReader is specifically designed for use in tests and exams when a student requires reading assistance. No unauthorised material or content can be loaded onto ExamReader and it can *only* be used to support text reading. Level the playing field Essentially, reading pens and other text to speech technologies are based on the idea that one of the main causes of reading disabilities comes from the difficulty in decoding written words, particularly in children with dyslexia.