DYSLEXIA,
how can our technology help?

About dyslexia and how our technology can help

Definition and characteristics of dyslexia

Dyslexia manifests itself as a persistent difficulty in acquiring fluent and accurate reading skills. People with dyslexia often struggle with decoding words, spelling and, in some cases, reading comprehension. Importantly, these difficulties are unrelated to intelligence or a lack of educational exposure.

Prevalence and impact on modern society

In Spain, an estimated 5% to 20% of the population has some degree of dyslexia. This means that, in a typical class of 30 students, at least one or two are likely to face this challenge.

However, it is crucial to recognise that dyslexia also comes with unique strengths. Many people with dyslexia demonstrate exceptional abilities in areas such as:

Creative thinking and problem-solving.

Advanced visual and spatial skills.

Ability to see unusual patterns and connections.

The role of technology in redefining dyslexia

Technology is radically changing how we perceive and address dyslexia. Interactive displays, for example, are transforming traditional classrooms into dynamic learning spaces where students with dyslexia can interact with content adapted to their unique learning styles.

Mobile applications and specialised software provide personalised tools that allow people with dyslexia to overcome specific obstacles in reading and writing. These technologies not only compensate for difficulties, but also enhance the inherent strengths associated with neurodiversity.

Assistive reading technologies

Reading is one of the most challenging areas for people with dyslexia. Fortunately, technology has produced a variety of innovative tools to make this process easier.

Text-to-speech software (TTS)

These tools convert digital text into audio, allowing users to listen to content instead of reading it.
Benefits of TTS:

Reduces visual fatigue associated with prolonged reading.

Improves comprehension by combining auditory and visual input.

Allows users to focus on the content without struggling to decode words.

This tool is one of the built-in innovations in current interactive displays such as Synetech's Piscis, which has been updated to Android 14 OS, making it easier to use in the classroom and for studying.

Document readers and OCR scanners

Document readers and scanners with Optical Character Recognition (OCR) can convert printed text into a digital format that can be read aloud or adjusted for greater legibility.
Practical applications:

Scan textbooks and convert them into audio files.

Digitise handwritten notes to make them easier to organise and review.

Access printed documents in more accessible formats.

These devices are particularly useful in educational and professional environments that handle large amounts of printed material.

Visual adjustment tools

For many people with dyslexia, the visual presentation of text can make a major difference to reading ease. Visual adjustment tools allow the appearance of text on digital screens to be personalised.
Common personalisation options:

Change the font and its size.

Adjust spacing between lines and paragraphs.

Change background and text colours to reduce contrast.

Current interactive displays such as Synetech's Piscis offer these and other personalisation options, allowing students with dyslexia to adapt content to their specific visual needs.

Writing support tools

Writing can be particularly challenging for people with dyslexia, but technology offers innovative solutions for overcoming these difficulties.

Word-prediction software

Word-prediction programs suggest options based on the first letters typed by the user. This technology can be especially helpful for people with dyslexia who struggle with spelling.
Advantages of prediction software:

Reduces the cognitive load associated with spelling.

Increases writing speed and fluency.

Expands vocabulary by suggesting more sophisticated words.

Many mobile devices and operating systems, including Android 14, include this feature natively, making it accessible in a variety of contexts.

Advanced spelling and grammar checkers

Modern spelling and grammar checkers go beyond simply identifying errors. They use artificial intelligence to understand context and offer more accurate suggestions.
Features of advanced checkers:

Identification of phonetic errors common in dyslexia.

Clear explanations of grammar rules.

Rephrasing suggestions to improve clarity.

These checkers are increasingly being integrated into educational platforms and productivity tools, providing constant writing support.

Summarisation and synthesis tools

The use of artificial intelligence technology is developing tools capable of summarising and synthesising large amounts of information, which can be especially beneficial for people with dyslexia.
Practical applications:

Automatic generation of summaries of long texts.

Extraction of key points from readings or lectures.

Creation of simplified outlines of complex topics.

These tools can help students and professionals with dyslexia process information more efficiently, allowing them to focus on understanding and applying knowledge. This is the case with SynetechIA, which helps make lessons much clearer when they are presented.

Assistive technologies in the classroom

Integrating technology into the classroom is transforming the experience and creating more inclusive and effective learning environments.

Interactive displays

Interactive displays and digital whiteboards offer a variety of features that can benefit students with dyslexia.
Useful features:

Ability to adjust text size and colour in real time.

Options for recording and replaying lessons.

Integration with specialised educational applications.

Synetech Class platform for developing interactive presentations

These tools allow teachers to adapt how material is presented so that it is more accessible to all students, including those with dyslexia.

The future of technology for dyslexia

As we move towards an increasingly technological future, the outlook for people with dyslexia is promising. Emerging innovations are opening up new possibilities for support and empowerment.

Conclusion

The intersection of dyslexia and technology represents an unprecedented field of opportunity. As we move towards an increasingly digital future, tools, applications and platforms such as Synetech Class, designed to support people with dyslexia, are radically transforming educational and professional experiences.

From interactive displays in classrooms to sophisticated workplace productivity applications, technology is levelling the playing field and enabling people with dyslexia to reach their full potential. Innovations in artificial intelligence promise to extend this support even further, offering personalised, adaptive solutions tailored to each individual's unique needs.

Far from being an obstacle, dyslexia can be seen as a unique way of processing information which, with the right support, can lead to innovative perspectives and creative solutions through activities designed by teachers. We have taken the initiative and created our own support activity for dyslexia.