Reflection
Have you done something life-changing? In 2020, I decided to join the Open University. I wanted to study for a degree, but I have always felt I was too stupid to get one. It was not the best time to make this decision. It was the beginning of the pandemic, and everything was shut down. I was also blogging a lot and using assistive technology. The first invitation I received was to try using Claro software (Now part of Texthelp). I played with the Text-to-speech software. Hearing my Word documents read was a revelation—software to aid me with PDFs, mind mapping, screen rulers and overlays and a speaking calculator. I had the bonus of being invited to use new software called Writing Helper. I nicknamed the two people I was working with, Waldorf and Statler, the hecklers from the Muppets. Their mischief was infectious; they also loved Science fiction. As usual, for dyslexics, the topic never stayed on one subject. We had many laughs on Zoom, and I also joined many webinars about their software. I watched what they were doing, thinking you were going too fast! Please repeat, I am new to all this software.
Writing helper
I started my course; at this point, I was waiting for my disability student assessment to aid with my assistive technology. There was a lot of reading; as a novice, I never considered using Claro Read to aid with all the text. I quickly became overwhelmed. A 350-word assignment might not sound like much, but I needed to break down 8 weeks’ worth of work into an assignment. I am also learning something called referencing. I was on the phone with a friend, saying, “This is mad; I haven’t got a clue what I am doing.” Fortunately, they also studied at the Open University and gave me great advice. Statler had also studied with the OU and gave me his phone number so I could talk about my frustrations if I ever needed to. Then came the issues with Writing Helper. I knew the benefits, but I could not get it to work with the OU! The first of many damsel-in-distress emails went out to Waldorf. Waldorf, how do I get this to work with the Open University? The first thing I was asked to do was demonstrate how I was using the software. I found out that I was using it differently than the original plan. I worked with Waldorf over the months to discover all the benefits of using Writing Helper and what I thought about improving it. Whenever there was an update, Waldorf received an email saying your software was broken. I am sure at the time; he hides under the table shouting wibble! I would receive emails saying it was a new record for breaking my assistive technology. He complimented me, saying he would be out of a job if I didn’t continually find issues. It meant that changes and improvements could be made.
OrCam
Then OrCam came along and offered me a trail of their OrCam Read. It got off to a bumpy start, but I soon found the benefits of having my Open University books read to me. Listening to text allowed extended periods of studying. I was no longer asleep with the book plastered to my face while studying. I could also use it to read from the computer monitor, and I am no longer falling asleep at the desk either. I started keeping a diary of everything I could do using the read. I could blog about using all this assistive technology. I was invited to use the prototype called OrCam Learn, but again, another bumpy start and threats of burying it in the garden as I had issues with connecting it to the app. It is a brilliant stand-alone device, and I even used it on a plane after being invited to the Dyslexic Compass . They were talking about adding languages to the prototype. It was perfect to show people its capabilities to aid in European schools. I was invited to the Facebook group to discuss the benefits of using OrCam. When things started opening, I enjoyed taking it to the library, shopping, and having it read off various allergy labels. OrCam has undergone several changes, and I don’t have the same freedom outside; it just keeps telling me I need to subscribe. At least I can use it in the house; however, I miss taking it out. I can only show its capabilities on calls now; I have heard that the OrCam Learn DSA is being discontinued. It is a great shame for the dyslexic community. I enjoyed showing it at the Dyslexic Compass and Dyslexia Scotland events.
Texthelp
Claro became a part of Texthelp, and I was invited to technology demonstrations when they visited Scotland. I saw software such as Read and Write, Equatio, Global Autocorrect and Tasks. As it was during the pandemic, these events were very quiet. The funniest one was that I was the only person to turn up! I was invited to conferences to talk about using writing helpers, and key speakers like Lord Holmes and others about using assistive technology. I have started using Orbit Note and looking at all the changes made to Global Tasks. This can be used on the computer and my mobile for organizing my day. Time management is not a friend!
Aventido
I was given a license to be a TextAid read speaker, but I am not sure why this is not used in many schools across Scotland. It could be that there is no awareness among the teaching staff. They know about Read and Write from Texthelp, which is similar. TextAid reader is also a mobile app to aid students. I have been trying to find out if my friend has started using this software to aid their dyslexia. After all, he does a lot of work in Germany, and the translation applications would be beneficial along with the text-to-speech. I suspect he has not activated the software; I did offer to help on a Teams call. Time management skills arise again, and I am awaiting an answer. As a person in further education pro-study and pro-revise to benefit my learning styles. This would be great from age 13 onwards and help pupils study towards their exams. Using LightKey also benefits me when I type, not only correcting my spelling mistakes. I am frustrated because secondary schools are unaware of various assistive technology. I understand that the technology I use now was unavailable in secondary schooling during the 80s.
Fast forward
I now have a dream job; I now work as an assistive technology trainer! I love hearing people say I never knew this technology existed and it would greatly benefit me. I have used dictation software for a while; Dragon aids me with using academic language for my assignments. For people who use Apple products, it is Talk Type; this software is also used on Chromebooks. It is not as heavy an operating system as Dragon. Alongside many dyslexics, I struggle with Note-taking. Thanks to Glean, Ed Caption and Jamworks for making this easier. My notes were usually messy, and I could never decide what I was talking about due to all the spelling mistakes. Then, of course, there is mind mapping software. I know people either love mind maps or hate them. I love building a mind map. Whether you use Mind Mister, Mind View, Inspiration, or Ayoa. Do not forget that dragon or talk-type dictation makes a massive difference in spelling mistakes. Also, using your voice to type is quicker and easier.
AT Superstore has a super website promoting assistive technology. This is important for supporting a dyslexic community. I want to see it move more into primary and secondary education. Also, having this technology in workplaces makes a difference in how a dyslexic community works. ‘AT Superstore is becoming an essential marketplace for AT within the education & workplace sector. Please check it out.