SEND Assistive Software for Dyslexia and Visual Stress

Our assistive software range supports SEND and neurodiverse users with dyslexia and visual stress, covering speech recognition, text-to-speech, mind mapping, literacy support and screen-tinting tools. Proven titles such as Dragon, Read&Write, ClaroRead and Inspiration help learners and adults read, write and work more independently at home, in school and at work.

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Our top pick

Nuance Dragon Professional Individual v16 - speech recognition for adults and workplace use

Our top pick for adult and workplace users is Nuance Dragon Professional Individual v16. It delivers up to 99% recognition accuracy from first use, lets you dictate, edit and format entirely by voice, and supports custom vocabularies for industry-specific terms - ideal for dyslexic adults, professionals using workplace reasonable adjustments, and anyone supported through Access to Work. Digital download supplied by email, with licence and activation key included.

Price: £679.99 | View the Nuance Dragon Professional v16

The Software collection brings together the assistive technology titles most widely used across UK SEND provision, higher education Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) recommendations, and workplace reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010. You will find speech-to-text tools such as Nuance Dragon, literacy support suites including TextHelp Read&Write, ClaroRead and TextAid, mind-mapping software like Inspiration, visual stress screen tinting, phonics and reading intervention programmes such as Dyslexia Gold and Neuralign, and typing tutors designed for dyslexic learners.

Every title in this range is chosen because it has a strong evidence base or long track record of supporting neurodivergent learners. Many are also recognised on the JCQ list of permitted access arrangements for reading and scribing software in GCSE and A-level exams, making them practical choices for schools as well as home use.

What is assistive software for dyslexia and visual stress?

Assistive software is any program that reduces the barriers neurodivergent users face when reading, writing, organising ideas or working on screen. For dyslexia, the most useful categories are text-to-speech (which reads text aloud), speech-to-text (which types what you dictate), spelling and grammar support, and mind mapping for planning written work. For visual stress and Irlen's syndrome, screen-tinting software overlays a coloured filter across the display to reduce glare and letter movement - the digital equivalent of our coloured overlays and monitor overlays.

How do I choose the right assistive software?

Start with the main barrier the user faces. If decoding and reading fatigue is the biggest issue, a text-to-speech suite like ClaroRead or TextHelp Read&Write is usually the first choice. If writing is slow or spelling is a blocker, speech-to-text like Nuance Dragon is transformative. If planning and organising ideas is the bigger challenge, Inspiration or another mind-mapping tool often unlocks progress. Schools should also check whether the software is listed under JCQ permitted access arrangements so it can be used consistently in lessons and in exams.

Who is our assistive software for?

Schools, SENCOs and SEND coordinators - site licences and multi-user options support whole-class and small-group SEND intervention, and cover literacy and visual stress needs across Year 1 through Year 13. Bulk and trust-wide orders welcome - contact us for quotes.

Parents and home users - single-user licences let dyslexic children and teenagers work independently on homework, coursework and reading. Many of our titles are DSA-friendly and carry over smoothly into higher education.

Adults and workplaces - Dragon and Read&Write are two of the most-requested titles for Access to Work and workplace reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010, helping dyslexic professionals work faster and more confidently.

 

Need advice? Call us to have a chat - 01394 671 818 or email us hello@thedyslexiashop.co.uk

Frequently asked questions

What is assistive software for dyslexia?

Assistive software for dyslexia is any program that removes reading or writing barriers for dyslexic users. The most common types are text-to-speech tools such as ClaroRead and Read&Write, speech-to-text tools such as Nuance Dragon, and mind-mapping software such as Inspiration. Most dyslexic learners benefit from a combination of two or three tools rather than a single app.

Which assistive software is best for visual stress or Irlen's syndrome?

For visual stress and Irlen's syndrome, screen-tinting software applies a coloured overlay across the whole display to reduce glare and letter movement when reading on a computer. This is the digital equivalent of a physical coloured overlay and can be used alongside our monitor overlays and reading rulers. Tint colour should be matched to the user, ideally following a visual stress assessment.

Is assistive software allowed in GCSE and A-level exams?

Yes, several assistive software titles are permitted under JCQ access arrangements, including computer readers and word processors with spellcheck. The exact arrangement must be approved by the school's Access Arrangement Coordinator and applied for via Form 8 or 8RF where required. Software used in exams should already be the learner's normal way of working in class, per JCQ section 5.8.

What assistive software is recommended for adults and the workplace?

For adults, Nuance Dragon Professional and TextHelp Read&Write are the two most-requested titles for workplace reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 and for Access to Work funding. Dragon supports dictation and voice control for report writing and emails, while Read&Write supports reading, proofing and research tasks. Both work on Windows and, for Read&Write, Mac.

Can schools buy assistive software on a site licence?

Yes. Most titles in our Software collection offer single-user, multi-user and whole-site licences, and several are available as network deployments for MATs and trusts. SENCOs and SEND coordinators can use site licences to support pupils across SEND provision, from Year 1 through Year 13. Call 01394 671 818 for a quote on bulk or trust-wide orders.

Is assistive software available as a download or on disc?

Most assistive software is now supplied as a digital download with an emailed licence and activation key, usually within 24 hours of order. A few titles still ship on disc or USB. Product pages state the delivery method. Please note that software licences are generally non-refundable once activated, so it's worth checking system requirements before ordering.

Does assistive software replace phonics or reading intervention?

No - assistive software is an access tool, not a replacement for structured literacy teaching. Dyslexic learners still benefit from phonics-based intervention such as Dyslexia Gold or structured literacy programmes alongside assistive technology. Assistive software removes the barrier so the learner can access age-appropriate content, while intervention continues to build underlying reading and spelling skills.