Talk on Assistive TechnologyMalcolm Litten - Consultant in Dyslexia and Assistive Technology

After a long and distinguished teaching career, including over 20 years teaching English to dyslexic pupils of secondary age in a specialist school, Malcolm developed the use of assistive technology - particularly text-to-speech and speech recognition software. He became a specialist in helping those who struggle to acquire literacy and, in particular, developed the use of computer software that helps such individuals to operate and learn more independently and successfully.

Malcolm undertakes research into the use of such assistive technology in English schools, trains teachers and individuals in its use and campaigns for its wider adoption. He is a member of the British Dyslexia Association's Technology Advisory Committee.

In conjunction with Claro Software, in 2019 Malcolm created an app designed to help those learning to read in English where the focus is on phonics. The app is called Phoneme Reader and is free. It is intended to function as a method of independent reinforcement of current learning. In one small but vital way, he wants to change the world!

Malcolm’s talk concentrates on the two key assistive tools - text-to-speech and speech-to-text, and he indicates where you can find both tools, available on all platforms. He outlines some different ways in which these tools can be employed by primary and secondary age students - both at different stages of development in literacy skills and for different purposes. Hopefully, there will be an idea - or two - for you to take away and start using. The talk ends with a question and answer session.