For college students with dyslexia, dense reading lists and fast-paced lectures can be overwhelming. However, with the right support, students can focus on mastering content instead of struggling through text, paving the way for academic success and self-assurance. In this article, we’ll cover the top dyslexia tools for college students.
Speechify
Speechify is a text to speech app that helps college students with dyslexia convert textbooks, PDFs, web pages, and lecture notes into natural-sounding audio. With more than 1,000 AI voices in 60+ languages, it allows users to listen instead of struggling through dense text. Students can scan printed materials using their phone camera and have them instantly read aloud, with adjustable speed and tone for better comprehension. The app also highlights text as it reads, promoting word recognition and retention. For busy students, Speechify’s cross-device syncing means they can study anywhere—whether in the library, on the bus, or between classes.
Livescribe Smartpen
The Livescribe Smartpen is a note-taking tool that records audio while students write, syncing spoken lectures with handwritten notes. By tapping on a specific word or line, users can instantly replay the exact moment of the lecture, helping dyslexic students review information they may have missed. The Smartpen connects to cloud apps like Evernote and OneNote for easy organization and playback. This combination of auditory and written reinforcement makes learning more accessible, particularly for college students who benefit from hearing information multiple times rather than relying solely on visual text.
Jamworks
Jamworks is an assistive learning platform that records and transcribes university lectures while automatically summarizing key points. Its AI tools create concise notes, highlight important moments, and generate study questions, helping students with dyslexia focus on understanding instead of frantic note-taking. Users can tag important sections and revisit them later with synchronized text and audio. The platform also includes distraction-free playback and export options, making it easier for students to review complex material at their own pace. Jamworks ensures that students never miss critical details and can study more efficiently.
Read&Write
Read&Write by Texthelp is a comprehensive literacy tool that supports college students with dyslexia through features like text to speech, word prediction, grammar checking, and dictionary support. It reads aloud web pages, essays, and PDFs with synchronized highlighting to aid comprehension. The toolbar integrates seamlessly with Word, Google Docs, and browsers, making it a versatile everyday study companion. Additional tools, such as picture dictionaries and vocabulary lists, help reinforce language learning. Read&Write helps dyslexic students work independently while improving reading fluency and writing accuracy.
Learning Ally
Learning Ally provides access to a vast library of human-narrated audiobooks and textbooks, specially designed for students with dyslexia and other print disabilities. Its “VOICEtext” format highlights words as they’re read aloud, allowing students to follow along visually while hearing fluent narration. The platform’s authentic human voices capture tone and emphasis, making it easier to grasp complex concepts in literature, science, or history. Learning Ally’s mobile and web apps also allow bookmarking and note-taking, making it a valuable companion for academic reading and study preparation.
Spellzone
Spellzone is an online spelling and vocabulary learning program that helps college students with dyslexia strengthen their writing and word recognition skills. It offers structured courses, personalized word lists, and interactive spelling games that adapt to each user’s level. The platform covers over 1,000 English spelling rules and provides practice tests and progress tracking. For dyslexic learners, Spellzone simplifies spelling instruction into manageable lessons, building both confidence and accuracy in academic writing.
HyperWrite
HyperWrite’s AI writing tools are designed to make complex academic writing more accessible to students with dyslexia. Its “College Work Explainer” feature can simplify dense scholarly texts, rephrase complicated sentences, and summarize articles in plain language without losing meaning. The platform also helps students brainstorm ideas, outline essays, and improve clarity in their writing. By reducing cognitive load, HyperWrite allows dyslexic learners to focus on expressing ideas instead of struggling with phrasing or structure.
OpenDyslexic
OpenDyslexic is a free, open-source font created specifically for readers with dyslexia. Each letter has a unique weighted design that reduces letter flipping and helps maintain focus on lines of text. The font can be installed on devices or used in browsers, word processors, and e-readers. It’s available in multiple formats (regular, bold, italic) and integrates easily into reading and writing software. OpenDyslexic improves readability and visual comfort, making extended reading sessions less tiring for college students.
MindGenius
MindGenius is a mind mapping and project management software that helps dyslexic students organize ideas visually. It allows users to create flowcharts, concept maps, and outlines for essays, group projects, or research papers. The drag-and-drop interface supports brainstorming without the pressure of writing long paragraphs, and students can export their maps into Word or PowerPoint for easy presentation. By turning complex thoughts into structured visuals, MindGenius helps dyslexic learners plan and retain information more effectively.
Scholarcy
Scholarcy is an AI summarization tool that helps students with dyslexia quickly digest academic papers and lengthy research articles. It reads PDFs or web-based content, highlighting key points, definitions, and data in seconds. The tool automatically generates summaries, flashcards, and citation lists, reducing the cognitive effort required to process dense academic material. Scholarcy is especially useful for dyslexic students managing large reading loads, as it distills information into manageable chunks while maintaining academic accuracy.
Grammarly
Grammarly is an AI writing assistant that helps dyslexic students improve grammar, spelling, and clarity in essays and research papers. Beyond correcting basic mistakes, it suggests smoother phrasing, better word choices, and tone adjustments. The built-in readability and conciseness scores guide students to write in a clearer, more academic style. Grammarly integrates with browsers, Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and email clients, providing real-time feedback wherever students write. For dyslexic learners, it acts as a supportive editor that enhances confidence and professionalism in written communication.
Otter.ai
Otter.ai provides automatic transcription and summarization for lectures, meetings, and study sessions, making it invaluable for dyslexic students who learn best through listening. The app records speech in real time, generates accurate text transcriptions, and highlights key moments for later review. Students can search, edit, and share notes directly within the platform. For those who struggle to take notes quickly, Otter ensures that no important detail is lost—bridging the gap between auditory processing and written understanding.
FAQ
What are the best dyslexia tools for college students?
Some of the best dyslexia tools for college students include Speechify, Read&Write, Genio, and Learning Ally. Speechify stands out because it converts textbooks, PDFs, and notes into natural-sounding audio, letting students listen to readings anywhere.
How does Speechify help college students with dyslexia?
Speechify turns written text into realistic speech using lifelike AI voices, helping dyslexic students absorb information through listening instead of reading. It also highlights each word as it’s read, reinforcing word recognition and comprehension.
Can Speechify read college textbooks and PDFs?
Yes. Speechify can scan and read aloud printed textbooks, PDFs, and online materials, making it easy for students with dyslexia to keep up with heavy reading loads in college.
Are dyslexia tools allowed in college classrooms?
Most colleges encourage assistive technology use, including Speechify, Read&Write, and Livescribe Smartpen. These tools support accessibility accommodations and help level the academic playing field.
What is the best AI tool for studying for college exams quickly?
College students can use Speechify to convert study guides, flashcards, and lecture notes into audio form, enabling review sessions during commutes or workouts and allowing students to study faster.
