Ready to step on stage for 2500 people in a huge theatre, the Grieghallen in Bergen Norway. It really felt like ‘The Hall of the Mountain King’. Given talks in many countries in Europe, US, Asia and Africa since GenAI launched and something happens at these events. I had exactly the same experience at a talk I gave the next day.
Time and time again, someone with dyslexia, or with a son or daughter with dyslexia, came up to me to discuss how AI had helped them. They describe the troubles they had in an educational system that is obsessed with text. Honestly, I can’t tell you how often I’ve had these conversations.
They rightly want to tell their story, as it has often been one of struggle, in a system that often ignores them, where they have had to find their own way to overcome their problems, or see institutions ban the very tools they need to survive. It is always heartfelt.
Text on blackboards, text-based subjects, textbooks, text-based homework, text-based exams. I now wonder at the simple fact that we send our kids off to school aged 5 or so, to emerge at 20+ having done not much more that read or write text. Is it any wonder we have skills shortages? The net results may be causing problems, with a text-trained graduate, managerial class, high on report writing, bureaucracy and rules, but low on operational and social skills.
AI is welcomed by those with dyslexia, and other learning issues, helping to mitigate some of the challenges associated with reading, writing, and processing information. Those who want to ban AI want to destroy the very thing that has helped most on accessibility. Here are 10 ways dyslexics, and others with issues around text-based learning, can use AI to support their daily activities and learning.
Text-to-Speech & Speech-to-Text Tools
This two-way street uses AI to convert difficult to read text to speech and speech to text where that is required in the system. Both are often mentioned, as text to speech cuts out the need to read allowing dyslexics and others to listen rather than read. This reduces the cognitive load associated with decoding and dealing with written text. Its sibling, transcription, converting the spoken word into text help dyslexics write assignments, essays, emails, or notes more easily by speaking their thoughts instead of typing. These are now built into smartphones. Texts are often photographed and OCR turns them into text then to speech.
Grammar and Spelling Assistants
Dyslexics often struggle with spelling and grammar, so AI-powered writing assistants, with real-time corrections and suggestions, making writing more accurate and less frustrating, are a boon. These have become normalised and built-in to contexts where text is required. There are also tools like Grammarly, that take things a step further.
Comprehension Tools
AI can break down complex texts, summarise information and provide definitions or explanations for difficult words or concepts. This can make reading less daunting and more manageable for dyslexics. Apps like Rewordify simplify complex language, while any Chatbot can summarise to provide quick summaries of long articles or papers.
AI in Note-Taking
We have been involved in building AI features for Glean, who are a market leader in helping those with disabilities in learning, on note taking. To be honest, any learner would benefit from AI assisted note taking. AI can help dyslexics take notes more efficiently by transcribing what the teacher/lecturer says, summarising long texts or lectures, converting handwritten notes into digital format, and organizing information in a way that’s easy to understand. It can also be used to generate retrieval practice quizzes, expand notes, find links to useful sources and so on. Good examples are Glean and tools like Otter.ai can transcribe and summarise meetings or lectures, while apps like OneNote or Evernote can convert handwritten notes into searchable text and help organise information.
Visual and Multisensory Tools
Dyslexics often benefit from visual aids and multisensory learning techniques and as AI can create interactive, visual learning experiences that help dyslexic learners grasp complex concepts without relying solely on text, the creation of mindmaps, diagrams and so on, can help in organizing thoughts visually.
Translation
For dyslexic individuals who are learning a new language or need to translate text, chatbots are now AI-powered translation tools that can simplify and assist in understanding and producing text in multiple languages. Google Translate and language learning apps like Duolingo use AI to provide real-time translations and language learning support. But AI chatbots can take entire books and do this in one go.
Chatbot assistants
AI, voice enabled, digital assistants can help dyslexics manage daily tasks, set reminders, dictate and send messages, and control smart home devices through voice commands, reducing the need for reading and writing. These assistants can answer questions, engage in full dialogue and act as tutors. They can also handle tasks such as setting alarms, creating to-do lists, searching the web, all through simple voice interactions.
AI-Powered Personalized Tutors
Self-paced learning allows the dyslexic to go at their own pace and not be stymied by fast based delivery. Pace, style, difficulty and level of language can all be delivered using AI. It is astonishing how ‘academic’ text (often obtuse and badly written) is delivered to novices. It is rife in medical education. The personalised approach can make learning more accessible and effective.
AI-Powered Personalized Tutors
One step beyond self-paced material is AI-driven tutors which can provide one-on-one support, adapting lessons to suit the pace and learning style of dyslexic individuals, offering tailored explanations, practice exercises, and feedback. These tutors are now integrated into platforms and can help dyslexic students with personalized learning experiences. Khanmigo and Duolingo are good examples.
AI Accessibility Features in Devices
Smartphones, tablets, and computers now come with built-in AI-powered accessibility features that can be customised for dyslexic users. These include voice commands, screen readers, and customizable display settings. These include Apple's VoiceOver, Android's TalkBack, and Windows Narrator, all examples of AI-driven features that enhance device usability for those with dyslexia.
Conclusion
It is often forgotten that huge numbers of disadvantaged learners leverage AI tools on their own. They are the original ‘AI on the SLY’ users. Individuals with dyslexia have been using these tools to overcome some of the challenges they face with reading, writing, and processing information, making it easier to learn, work, and communicate effectively. We have a lot to learn from them, especially our almost fanatical obsession in education with the written word. So next time you hear someone who wants to ban AI in learning, think again. Having finally found solutions to the problem, do not throw them back into a world where they feel abandoned again.
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