Guide

Assistive Technology for Dyslexia: Accommodations Explained

Assistive technology levels the playing field for a dyslexic student — it does not give an advantage, it removes one. Skip the IEP-versus-504 debate for a moment: here is what actually shows up on paper, and how to try it at home before the meeting.

Accommodations That Actually Get Written Into IEPs and 504 Plans

• Text-to-speech, so reading does not depend on decoding speed;
• Audiobooks for grade-level content the student cannot yet decode alone;
• Graphic organizers and concept maps for studying from structure instead of a wall of text;
• Extended time on tests and assignments;
• Reduced copying — teacher notes or a peer’s notes instead of copying from the board.

Free Ways to Try Them at Home First

None of this needs a signed plan to start. Trying text-to-speech and concept maps at home first does two things: it shows you and your child what actually helps before the school meeting, and it gives you concrete evidence to bring to that conversation — “this made homework take half the time” goes further than a general request.

Where Filo Fits

Filo puts three of these accommodations in one free page: paste a text and it draws a concept map with short definitions, a voice explains it aloud box by box, and the whole thing prints as a study card. No account, no cost — a low-risk way to test what an IEP or 504 conversation is actually about.

Studying in the UK instead? See our guide to SEN support and exam access arrangements — the terms differ, but the ideas carry over.

Start Today, Free

Paste a text, get its map, listen to the voice explain it box by box, then print or save it as a PDF. Free, no account — try it before the next meeting.