Students with special needs can sometimes face challenging problems that disrupt their learning process which is why, as teachers and parents, we need to make sure we are equipped with the right pedagogical tools and strategies to help this group of learners thrive and shine.Â
In today’s post I am sharing with you this collection of helpful resources that you can use to this very purpose: help kids and students with special needs overcome learning challenges and remove obstacles that might stand in their learning path.
This collection is a work in progress and I will be adding more resources and updating it regularly (last update was in July 6, 2022).
The initial version of this post contained a chart but I removed it because of the complaints I received from readers complaining that the chart does not render well on their mobile devices.
iPad Apps for Special Education
Currently, the list contains three main categories: Dyslexia apps, Autism apps, and apps for students who are blind or with low vision. If you have other suggestions to add to this list, share with us on social media.
1. Apps to help with dyslexia
These dyslexia apps offers different services including scanning tests to identify reading challenges for kids, interactive reading materials designed specifically for students with dyslexia and struggling readers, activities and games to help children with dyslexia develop key literacy skills, fun quizzes and exercises, and many more.
- Lexico: A Dyslexia Reading Aid
- Dyslexia Test
- ABC Magic Phonics 5
- Reading for All Learners
- Learning Ally Audiobooks
- Word Wizard for Kids
- Play ABC Alfie Atkins
- Dyslexia Screening Test App
- DocLexi: Learn to Read and Spell
2. Apps to help with autism
These apps can help kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental challenges (e.g., Apraxia, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, etc) develop a number of key skills that cover areas related to communication, decision making, problem solving, emotional management, social interaction, language learning, logical and abstract thinking, creativity, hand-eye coordination, self-confidence, color and shape recognition, attentiveness and alertness, and many more.
- Speech Blubs: Language Therapy
- TinyTap: Kids’ Learning Games
- Miogym: Speech Therapy
- LAMP Words For LifeÂ
- Proloquo2Go AAC
- Articulation Station Pro
- Kids Autism Games – AutiSpark
- Wonster Words Learning Games
- Leeloo AAC – Autism Speech App
- Keiki Learning games for Kids
- Autism ABC App
- Otsimo | Special Education AAC
- Card Talk
- Avaz AAC
3. Apps for The Visually Impaired
Here are some of the popular apps to use with kids and students (and anyone else for that matter) who are blind or with low vision.
The apps will not only enable them to navigate the world in a much more accessible way but will also provide them with extra pair of eyes to use to improve their learning.
- TapTapSee
- BlindSquare
- Be My Eyes
- Seeing AI
- myopia.app
- Sullivan+
- Envision AI
- Braille Academy: Play & Learn
Final thoughts
Equipping students with special needs with the right tools and resources is crucial for their success and growth. This curated collection of apps offers invaluable support in areas such as dyslexia, autism, and visual impairments, helping to remove obstacles in their learning journeys. From interactive reading aids to communication tools and navigation apps, these resources are designed to foster independence and confidence. As this list is continually updated, your suggestions are welcome to ensure it remains a comprehensive and dynamic guide.