Looking for inspiration?
Being wickedly dyslexic I rely heavily on fab devices every day.
At a time when many are looking for gift ideas, I’ve pulled together all my fave devices to help you decide if they are a good fit for your loved ones.
A device for every budget and age
Rather than trying to explain their fantastic features in writing, I’ve created short videos so you can see them in action.
Quick explanation of why videos were required to aid understanding of what’s available.
Top devices gifts for dyslexics
The order in which they appear is determined by their cost rather than a ranking.
I've chosen to start with the more affordable options.
Trackers (or Finders)
These tiny, affordable devices can save a world of time and frustration. I love them!! Watch this video to find out:
What are they?
Who would use them and why?
How much they cost?
Amazon products
The next 3 videos was created when Amazon were heavily discounting these products. The videos explain the dyslexia friendly features. Even full price they are extremely helpful.
I recommend watching all 3 for full information.
Kindles
There are many different types of Kindle, all of them have dyslexia friendly functionality. It is worth knowing what is available on each.
Echo
Echo is a hands-free, voice-controlled personal assistant. Amazon supply Alexa in both Kindle Fire and Echo devices
Smart Pens
A smart pen is a pen that contains a camera, an audio recorder, and a built-in computer that enables users to record, save, and upload data.
Livescribe Echo Pen
For me, this is the single most helpful device I use when taking notes in lectures / lessons.
Given I frequently encourage people to learn to touch type, most people are surprised to find I use this smart pen to take notes.
It is an EXCELLENT device but extremely hard to describe in words., hence I made the video. I think you'll be amazed by what it can do.
It's not a great fit for everybody. I've known many parents buy an Echo pen for themselves after evaluating it for the children because it is so helpful in the workplace. It is NOT designed for dyslexics it is a productivity tool for anyone wanting to capture information.
Livescribe have brought out a few new versions of their smart pen, these include the LiveScribe 3 and the Ageir Pens, but I find the older Echo pen the best when converting pages on handwritten notes into typed text.
The more modern versions of the pen require a mobile device. The Echo pen does NOT need a mobile device to transfer written notes into text. Making it a very cost-effective option for some.
Once you have the mobile devices there are other apps that are available (see the iPad with Noteability App video below).
My son did his own research before going to uni and talked me into buying him a Neo pen. I will get him to help me review it when he is next home.
Ageir Pen
To help you evaluate it I have included some videos created by Livescribe.
It's worth remembering that the first video is designed to sell the pen. It's a very impressive video. When I create a video, my purpose is to equip you make informed decisions.
This second video goes some way to persuading me that thie Ageir pen does have the features that make the Echo pen so valuable to me.
Namely the ability to:
search on handwritten text
intelligent audio playback
share notes with intelligent audio.
I will try to find time to evaluate the Aegir pen very soon and post a video here.
If you haven’t already subscribed to my YouTube channel, if you do so now then hit the bell you will be informed when I upload new videos.
Smartwatches
A smartwatch is a wearable computer in the form of a watch; they provide a touchscreen or voice activated interface for ease of use.
For years I have helped older students to be more productive and organised by using reminders, diary applications and dictation on their smartphones.
For some students this is life changing. For others no matter how well set up their phone's are they don't benefit because they simply don't look at it and therefore they miss all the helpful prompts.
For anyone who falls into this category, a smart watch could be an excellent investment so reminders/prompts are not missed.
This articles below details how smartwatchs can be used to improve productivity.
https://uk.pcmag.com/smartwatches-1/76169/how-a-smartwatch-can-keep-you-more-organized
Apple Watch
I've always known I would benefit from a smartwatch but have been waiting for prices to come down.
As I have an iPhone and an iPad it makes most sense for me to purchase an Apple Watch. Unfortunately Apple don't often discount their products.
Apple have now priced the Apple Watch Version 3 compete with the Fitbit. Once the price came down I decided to buy one.
In this video I explain the reasoning behind the purchase.
Given that I am still learning how to get the most out of my smart watch I've also included a video by someone who is more knowledgeable than me, to show you how it can be used.
Children’s Smartwatches
Even at the discounted price I wouldn't purchase a Apple Watch for a younger child.
However younger children do benefit from wearing a device that prompts them when they're required to do something.
There are now many smartwatches for children. I've included a video to explain how they could be used.
This recent article ranks different smartwatches designed for children.
iPad’s
iPad - Reconditioned
I’m often asked by parents, what laptop they should buy their dyslexic child. Obviously the device I would suggests depends on the individual requirements.
Here is an article I wrote helping parents to decide on the best laptop .
A personal favourite of mine is an iPad. This video explains why I think they are a good device to take to school and how to buy a moew affordable recondiitoned model.
iPad - 8th Generation
In 2019 Apple have released a new more affordable iPad recently that is compatible with the Apple Pencil.
I am reliably informed that these two Apple devices plus the Noteability app can drastically improve note taking. This video shows how they work together.
Currently I have no experience of using these three tools together. I use the LiveScribe Echo pen (as described above) which I am incredibly happy with.
This video shows how it could be used.
Click on the image above to subscribe to the channel
Have you found these videos helpful?
If you’ve found these videos useful, I’d strongly recommend looking around the Achieve Now YouTube channel .
If you subscribe to the channel and then hit the bell button to be informed when I create new videos.
A FREE eBook that could save you a fortune
I know from first-hand experience how expensive dyslexia can be and how families can waste money on solutions because it isn’t in anyone’s interest to promote free solutions.
This motivated me to create this eBook
100+ FREE Solutions & Resources to Improve Grades for Dyslexics
This eBook will be updated frequently as technology advances.
Anyone who signs up will recEive periodic updates.
I give this eBook to everyone that signs up to the Achieve Now mailing list