Apps for Learning

The RNIB has identified the top 8 mobile applications.

1. Dragon dictation apps on iOS and Android (free)

2. Evernote on iOS and Android (free)

3. Kindle app on iOS and Android

4. Audible (free 30-day trial then £7.99 per month)

5. Talking Scientific Calculator on iOS (£3.99)

6. Google Translate on iOS and Android (free)

7. KNFB Reader App on iOS (£99.99) and Android (£94.99)

8. Alarmed – Reminders + Timers on iOS (free with paid-for extras)

Here is a quick overview of some free apps and online tools that can help dyslexic students work more effectively in the classroom, doing homework, or even studying for tests.

1. Google Play Books

[Text to Speech, Android]
This is a great app for android devices that has talk-back technology that can read books aloud to a dyslexic student. One particularly great aspect of this app is the fact that it offers synchronized highlighting, so students can read along with the speech and gain confidence in reading without getting stuck or frustrated.

Google Play Books

2. Dragon Dictation

[Dictation, IOS]
For years there was a focus on text to speech apps to make reading easier, however this does the opposite and allows students to record themselves speaking, and then turns their words into text. This makes writing essays and homework a lot easier.

iOS and Android 

3. Natural Reader

[Text-to-Speech, Windows or Mac, + free online utility]
Students can choose to use an online utility, or to download free software to convert any written text such as MS Word, Webpages, PDF files, and eBook into spoken words. This online utility is great for occasional use by students, as they can copy and paste the content from web sites onto this site, which then converts it from text to speech. Dyslexic students can then either listen or read along as the text is read aloud.

Natural Reader

4. Cite It In

[Free online utility]
For many dyslexic students, writing a paper is harrowing enough, and adding footnotes and references just makes the experience worse. Fortunately, this website can take over the referencing part of the process, eliminating one of their stressful tasks.

 Cite It In

5. Pocket - Great! Organiser

[Organizer -IOS / Android / Chrome / Firefox]
Pocket is a free service that allows students to save web site articles to one location, and retrieve it later from any device. It includes text-to-speech functionality, making it accessible for everyone. This can help students more easily manage research projects or other assignments, such as keeping track of news articles and current affairs for a politics or critical thinking class.

Pocket IOS

Pocket Android

6. Whisper Sync

[Text to Speech / Amazon Kindle Devices & Apps]
This is a free app offered by Amazon that can convert Kindle books into audio files. One of the best aspects of this is that you can jump in and out of the audio elements, so a student can try reading themselves, and then if they get tired or frustrated, they can listen for a while, and then go back to reading.

Whisper Sync

7. Ginger

[Writing App – All Platforms]
Ginger is one of the most popular writing apps out there, and it really does help students improve their writing as they go by picking up on their mistakes and errors as they go, allowing them to make changes while they’re writing. Features include grammar and spell check, word prediction, built-in-dictionary, translation, and text-to-speech.

Ginger

8. Gboard – the Google Keyboard

[Enhanced keyboard – Android]
This free app adds search functionality and other features, including dictation and word prediction, to the device keyboard. The search tools eliminate the need to copy or paste when sending an email.

Gboard

9. Mind Meister

[Mind-map creator, Android / IOS]
This is another great study tool that can also help with note-taking. As many dyslexic students don’t find pages of text appealing, this allows them to format their own notes in much more user-friendly formats that can make learning and revising a whole lot more efficient.

Mind Meister

Best Communication Apps

1. P3 Mobile: for texting, talking and relay services. Includes ASL and clear-speech relays.

2. Google Voice: for transcribing messages (speech to text).

3. Hamilton CapTel: for captions during the phone conversation

4. Sorenson Buzzcards: d/Deaf create flashcards for communication with the hearing. Flashcards can be saved.

5. FaceTime: visual calling

Best In-Person Apps

1. Speak4Me: text-to-speech

2. Sorenson Buzzcards: create flashcards to communicate with non-ASL users

3. Text to Speech!: text-to-speech

4. iSpeech: text-to-speech

5. Subtitles Viewer LIVE!: live speech-to-captions (caption real-time, live conversations)

6. Earfy: live speech-to-captions (caption real-time, live conversations)

7. Dragon Anywhere: dictation application that can be used by us deaf with hearing – have the hearing person speak and it will automatically caption what they are saying (if it is said clearly enough)

Best Alarm Apps

1. Alarm Clock with FlashLights: alarm clock with flashing lights (and music)

2. Alarmed Reminders + Timers: integrates with iPhone native Reminder app

3. Loud Alarm Clock Best and Loudest Alarms 2: for people who need something REALLY loud

Tecla Access

Tecla Access is an app providing all the tools needed to access and use your mobile or tablet, without having to pick up your device.

Wheel Map

Wheelmap offers a simple way to search for wheelchair-accessible places all around the globe. You’re also able to add marks for places that are accessible and less accessible for future reference.

Android Link to the WheelMap App 

Apple Link to the WheelMap App

WheelMate

Wheelmate is an app dedicated to locating wheelchair accessible toilet facilities and parking spaces. With over 30,000 locations across 45 different countries, you’re sure to find the information you need, wherever you’re adventure is taking you.

WheelMate Android Link

WheelMate Apple Link

It's Accessible

Join the conversation - Those with mobility difficulties share places which are convenient and mobility friendly to visit. Whether it be parking spots in a town you’re not familiar with or a new restaurant in your local area, add your experiences and learn from other peoples to ensure your leisure time is safe and stress free.

It's Accessible Apple Link

Apple Accessibility Features

Apple devices include a range of integrated features which support those with learning differences and physical disabilities.

Apple Accessibility Information 

All the Apps listed below have been recommended by the NHS and Wellbeing Service 

Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K is designed to get you off the couch and running 5km in just nine weeks. The plan involves three runs a week with a rest day in between and a different running schedule each week. Produced with the BBC, the app builds you up gradually with a mix of running and walking. Available for Apple and Android users.

Visit Apple App Store

Visit Android App Store 

Togetherall

Togetherall (previously Big White Wall) is an online community for people who are stressed, anxious or feeling low. The service has an active forum with round-the-clock support from trained professionals. You can talk anonymously to other members and take part in group or one-to-one therapy with therapists. Togetherall is for anyone aged 16 or over who wants to improve their mental health. 

Visit Togetherall Website Address 

BlueIce

BlueIce is an evidenced-based app to help young people manage their emotions and reduce urges to self-harm. It includes a mood diary, a toolbox of evidence-based techniques to reduce distress and automatic routing to emergency numbers if urges to harm continue. Available for both Apple and Android

Visit BlueIce Website for more information

Calm Harm App

The urge to self-harm is like a wave. It feels the most powerful when you start wanting to do it. Learn to ride the wave with the free Calm Harm app using these activities: Comfort, Distract, Express Yourself, Release, Random and Breathe.
When you ride the wave, the urge to self-harm will fade. Available for both Apple and Android

Visit Calm Harm Website for more information

Cypher App

Cypher (formerly Silent Secret) is an anonymous peer-to-peer social network. It is a space to share your feelings and secrets, give and receive support, and connect to other support organisations. Available for Apple and Android users.

Visit Cypher Website for more information

DistraACT App

The distrACT app gives you easy, quick and discreet access to information and advice about self-harm and suicidal thoughts. The content has been created by doctors and experts in self-harming and suicide prevention. Available for Apple and Android Users.

Visit DistrACT website for more information

Easy Meals App

Easy Meal's recipes have been selected to suit a variety of tastes and dietary requirements. Use Easy Meals to search over 150 easy, calorie-counted recipes. Add your meals to your shopping trolley, and the app builds a handy shopping list, which shows you in what aisle to find your ingredients. 

The app is full of healthy eating advice, cooking tips and a seasonal cooking calendar. Available for both Android and Apple users.

Apple Easy Meals App