BEST Tips and Resources for Dysgraphia

When a child or teen consistently struggles with the physical act of handwriting or conveying thoughts in written form, it may be a strong indication of what is called dysgraphia. This challenge can effect individuals of all ages, not just children or teens, and can not only impact a student's academic achievement but also his self-esteem---and not in a positive way.

How Will I Know If a Child Has Dysgraphia?

For years, dysgraphia was the diagnosis used for issues with writing. Now, dysgraphia is no longer a diagnosis. However, there is currently a diagnosis called specific learning disorder with impairment in written expression. This diagnosis refers to trouble conveying thoughts in writing, rather than transcription issues.

Evaluators still have ways to identify the transcription challenges, however. Some of the tests for broader writing issues include sub-tests for spelling. There are also tests for fine motor skills (the ability to make movements using the small muscles in our hands, wrists and fingers). And there are tests for motor planning skills (the ability to remember and perform steps to make a movement happen).

Several types of professionals can evaluate kids with writing issues. Psychologists test for learning issues. Occupational therapists and physical therapists test fine and gross motor skills. There are also other specialists who help kids with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) able to do this.

Trouble with writing can be caused by other learning challenges. For example, poor spelling can be the result of reading issues like dyslexia. Poor handwriting might be caused by DCD (sometimes referred to as dyspraxia).

To get the appropriate help and support for your child, it’s important to know the cause of the child’s difficulties. A full evaluation would be a good first step and can help you understand these challenges, along with your child’s strengths.

What Can Help Manage the Symptoms of Dysgraphia?

There are a number of things that can help your child with dysgraphia challenges. These include supports and services at school, therapies outside of school, and strategies you can try at home.

Types of Support and Accommodations for Dysgraphia

Appropriate Therapies: The main treatment for handwriting issues is occupational therapy (OT). Therapists can work with kids to improve fine motor skills and motor planning. Physical therapy can help with arm position and posture.

These therapies may be available free at a public school via an IEP. Some parents may also pay privately for therapy outside of school, depending on resources available.

School Supports: Kids with dysgraphia may get supports at school through an IEP or a 504 plan. There are a number of accommodations for writing issues. Kids may also get assistive technology and other tools. These can range from simple pencil grips to dictation software. As much as possible, create a classroom that is dysgraphia-friendly with accommodations like the following:

1. Yes, DO Teach Cursive Writing: Cursive writing has fewer starting points than disconnected print letters, which translates to improved writing speed, more consistent letter sizing, and neater overall appearance of writing. Watch a free webinar on the importance of cursive writing instruction for students and use cursive writing books from Handwriting Without Tears to teach cursive writing as early as first grade. Remember that cursive writing helps promote more connectivity between the two hemispheres of the human brain.

2. DO Teach Typing: Typing can be easier than writing once students are fluent with keyboards. Teach typing skills starting as early as kindergarten and allow for ample typing practice in the classroom. Many schools and districts have typing programs to support their students’ budding typing skills. Great online typing programs include Nessy Fingers Touch Typing (which costs money), TypingClub and the games at Typing.com.

3. DO Provide Access to Speech-to-Text Tools: Assistive technology accommodations can support students with dysgraphia in their classroom writing tasks in all grades. There are several free, easy-to-use speech-to-text dictation tools. Students can use Google’s Voice Typing tool, Dragon Dictation, or Apple’s Speak Screen functions.

4. DO Use Graph Paper for Math Assignments and Tests: Graph paper helps students with dysgraphia stay in the lines, which becomes increasingly important in the later grades when they’re faced with more complex math tasks. Reduce unintended errors by providing graph paper for student tests or as a background for homework assignments. Consider using the free printable math grids like those available at Do2Learn (please see Dysgraphia Resources below here).

5. DO Allow for Note-Taking Accommodations: Copying notes from a whiteboard can be a particular challenge for students with dysgraphia. Allow students to take pictures of lecture notes to review later. Students can use a free optical character reader (OCR) like Prizmo Go (for iOS) or Google Keep (for Android) to automatically read text from the photos to review those notes.

6. DO Be Deliberate about Hanging Students’ Written Work: Classroom writing is difficult for students with dysgraphia. Written assignments may take two or three times as long to complete, and often they will look sloppy even if the student has tried to produce their best work. When displaying student work, consider waiting to hang assignments until everyone has finished so students with dysgraphia don’t feel shame at having everyone else’s work on display while theirs is still in progress. Another option is to hang typed work so students with dysgraphia can be proud of the finished product that hangs alongside the work of their peers.

These are just a few things that may help a student with dysgraphia in the classroom. But mainly it’s important to be creative about accommodations and to communicate with students about their individual needs.

Help at Home: There are many ways you can help your child with writing issues. Here are just a handful:

1. Locate a good drawing exercise for improving handwriting.
2. View an expert explaining how to use dictation software on a mobile device.
3. Discover tools that can help with writing difficulties.
4. Watch a video on how different pencil grips might help your child.
5. Try a variety of multi-sensory techniques for teaching handwriting.
6. Download tools, apps and other resources to help with handwriting. (See Dysgraphia Resources below here.)

Dysgraphia Resources

Dysgraphia: What You Need to Know - by Understood
https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dysgraphia/understanding-dysgraphia

10 Tips to Help Children with Dysgraphia
https://www.focusandread.com/blog/post/3828864

BEST Websites for Dyslexia & Dysgraphia
https://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2013/10/best-websites-for-dyslexia-dysgraphia.html

Creating a Dysgraphia-Friendly Classroom - by Jessica Hamman, edutopia
Here are 6 ways to support students with dysgraphia—a learning difference that affects a person’s ability to produce written work.
https://www.edutopia.org/article/creating-dysgraphia-friendly-classroom

8 Tools for Kids with Dysgraphia - by Understood
These tools and apps can make writing easier. She may already use some of them at school, but it can help to have them at home, too. Most tools are sold in online catalogs for occupational therapists.
https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dysgraphia/8-tools-for-kids-with-dysgraphia

Dysgraphia-I Created an App for That - by Amberlynn Gifford Slavin, ADDitude
It’s called SnapType, and it helps kids keep up with their peers in class when their penmanship holds them back.
https://www.additudemag.com/dysgraphia-i-created-an-app-for-that/

FREE Printable Math Grids - from Do2Learn
http://www.do2learn.com/academics/Mathematics/index.htm

For information about customizable tools for readers and learners of all ages, please visit: FocusandRead.com ---Tools for challenged readers of all ages!

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC and Pixabay

Struggling to Write Those Ideas on Paper?

In today's world, it is more important than ever to be able to organize thoughts and get them down on paper or screen. Offline and online media is everywhere, and if we want to be "heard" by others, we need to be able to express and convey those thoughts WELL.

Being able to express oneself is a unique skill and even a gift for some individuals. When you encourage and cultivate this capability in your child or student, you give her the invaluable power to meaningfully share her thoughts and ideas with the world. To help her get started, you might find the following 5 steps (adapted from teacher-writer Karen Dikson) beneficial in organizing thoughts and beginning to get those ideas down on paper or screen:

5 Basic Steps to Writing Success

1. Practice, practice, practice!
2. Find examples of good writing!
3. Use Pinterest or graphic organizers to organize ideas & resources!
4. Brainstorm and plan what to write.
5. Use a tablet to get ideas down faster and more efficiently.

When Dysgraphia Adds to the Writing Challenge

There can often be an additional component for some children or teens when it is time to express their ideas and get them down on paper or screen. This component makes writing nearly impossible for a significant number of individuals. It is called dysgraphia, a handwriting challenge characterized chiefly by very poor or often illegible writing or writing that takes an unusually long time and great effort to complete. When present in children, dysgraphia is classified as a learning disability. When it occurs as an acquired condition in adults, it can sometimes be the result of damage to the brain (as from stroke or trauma).

When a person of any age or ability struggles with dysgraphia, writing takes far longer (if it can be produced at all) to complete. As a result, dysgraphia all too often negatively impacts learning success and self-esteem. To provide support for an individual with dysgraphia, keep in mind that technology can go a long way to help. A laptop or tablet device will take pressure off the proper formation of hand-written phrases and sentences, allowing the individual to focus on his ideas instead. A digital app, mp3 player or other recording device can be just the thing to free a "great thinker" and finally enable the expression of wonderful, innovative ideas. In addition, consider the following strategies from the Learning Disabilities Association of America to help someone you know challenged with dysgraphia:

Helpful Strategies for Dysgraphia

1. Suggest use of word processor
2. Avoid chastising student for sloppy, careless work
3. Use oral exams
4. Allow use of tape recorder for lectures
5. Allow the use of a note taker
6. Provide notes or outlines to reduce the amount of writing required
7. Reduce copying aspects of work (pre-printed math problems)
8. Allow use of wide rule paper and graph paper
9. Suggest use of pencil grips and /or specially designed writing aids
10. Provide alternatives to written assignments (i.e., video reports, audio reports, etc.)

Implementing one or more of the above strategies and combining them with the 5 steps for writing success will enable your child or students to be well on the road to improved writing---AND without the usual struggles and "pain" so often experienced by reluctant, organization-challenged or dysgraphic individuals. We hope you will see the transformation in the very near future!

Writing Resources to Help Your Child or Students

How To Inspire Your Kids to Write and Why It’s So Important
by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S.
https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-inspire-your-kids-to-write-and-why-its-so-important/

Books that Teach About the Writing Process (for Gr. K-5)
from This Reading Mama blog
If you teach writing to young learners, this book list has over 15 books to help you teach young writers all about the writing process.
https://thisreadingmama.com/books-teach-writing-process/

5 Steps to Help Your Kid Write a Better Essay
by Karen Dikson and Parent Toolkit
https://www.parenttoolkit.com/academics/news/general-parenting/5-steps-to-help-your-kid-write-a-better-essay

Dysgraphia Resources to Help Your Child or Students

The BEST Dictation Software for 2019
Here's the short list of the best dictation apps, with more information following, such as how we chose them, tips for using dictation software and detailed descriptions of the apps.
https://zapier.com/blog/best-text-dictation-software/

10 Tips to Help Children with Dysgraphia
Does your child struggle to write on the appropriate lines provided? Do you know or teach a child who is challenged and/or frustrated with simply forming basic letters and words? This article will provide strategies and tips to help children challenged with dysgraphia.
https://www.focusandread.com/blog/post/3828864

For information about customizable tools for readers of all ages, please visit: FocusandRead.com ---Tools for challenged readers of all ages!

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC and Pixabay

BEST Research-Based Interventions for Dyslexia, ADHD and Other LD

As educators and parents, it is prudent to consider research-based or evidence-based resources when assisting students in any way. This is even more critical when helping challenged readers and learners.

In this article, we wanted to provide the most up-to-date research-based resources to help the many adults who serve populations with dyslexia, ADHD and other LD. We have listed them here with direct links for your convenience. Please know that every child is unique, exhibiting individual behaviors and specific needs. Discovering the BEST resources, techniques and interventions for an individual child or student of any age may take time, patience and extended efforts in order to increase the possibility of good outcomes.

Special Note: It is suggested that teachers, tutors, programs, and schools provide specific, evidence-based techniques. We also recommend that these techniques be discussed at follow-up meetings after student evaluations and/or assessments. This does not mean or guarantee that these techniques will result in a positive outcome in all cases. There are too many variables involved to provide any kind of guarantee of success. We also do not receive any financial or other exchange benefit from making specific recommendations. We sincerely want to provide our professional opinion about what may be an effective intervention for your child. This is not a complete list. There are many other effective techniques which we are continually discovering.

BEST Research-Based Interventions for Dyslexia, ADHD and Other LD

Interventions for Challenged Readers

1. Orton-Gillingham Techniques for Dyslexia
Of all the reading programs specifically designed to help struggling readers by explicitly teaching the connections between letters and sounds, Orton–Gillingham was the first. Today—decades later—many reading programs include Orton–Gillingham ideas based on a multi-sensory approach to reading and learning.
https://www.orton-gillingham.com/

2. Tools for Unfocused, Overwhelmed and Other Readers w/ LD

a. Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759)
Low-tech tools for reading physical books, documents and other printed media
http://www.focusandread.com/products

b. Reading Focus Cards App (Patent 8,360,779)
Digital tool for Macs and Windows PCs that allows readers to more easily and more comfortably remain focused on digital media--both online and offline (for web pages, digital documents and more)
For Macs: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-and-focus/id920617853?mt=12
For Windows PCs: https://gumroad.com/l/ReadingFocusCards

Instruction Techniques for Dyscalculia (Math Learning Disabilities)

1. The University of Chicago School Mathematics Project
UCSMP has created a curriculum for students from pre-kindergarten all the way through 12th grade. UCSMP materials, including Everyday Mathematics for Grades preK-6 and seven UCSMP textbooks for use in Grades 6-12 mathematics (Pre-Transition Mathematics; Transition Mathematics; Algebra; Geometry; Advanced Algebra; Functions, Statistics, and Trigonometry; and Precalculus and Discrete Mathematics), are being used currently by an estimated 4.5 million students in elementary and secondary schools in every state and virtually every major urban area. (Usiskin) We find that these techniques are appropriate for children with strong visual memory, language, and fluid reasoning ability. They are not as effective with children who are concrete learners and who need foundational memorization of facts and consistent scope and sequence of skills.
http://ucsmp.uchicago.edu/about/overview/

2. Connected Mathematics
CMP is a problem-centered curriculum promoting an inquiry-based teaching-learning classroom environment. Mathematical ideas are identified and embedded in a sequenced set of tasks and explored in depth to allow students to develop rich mathematical understandings and meaningful skills.
https://connectedmath.msu.edu/

3. Saxon Math (for Elementary Students w/ Math LD)
Saxon takes an incremental approach to math, introducing a new skill or principle each day, then reviewing these concepts and skills day after day for weeks. This approach helps build students’ confidence in their ability to “do” math successfully. Students who have used this program receive consistently high scores on standardized math tests. We find this technique to be successful with concrete, sequential learners who need memorization, review, and scope and sequence learning.
http://www.hmhco.com/shop/education-curriculum/math/saxon-math

Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) (for Middle to Sec. Students w/ Math LD)

1. I Can Learn
A full-curriculum mathematics software solution that is a self-paced, mastery-based technology fully aligned to Common Core State Standards for math grades 5th through algebra and allows for effective differentiated instruction in a positive learning environment.
http://www.icanlearn.com/

2. Accelerated Math
Students must learn to think critically—like mathematicians—in order to master math. Accelerated Math keeps students working—and thinking—to solve a set of 6 problems before they see which ones they missed. The right amount of productive struggle helps students learn.
http://www.renaissance.com/products/practice/accelerated-math/

Assistive Materials for Dysgraphia

1. Stem sentences, essay templates and graphic organizers for dysgraphia
http://storey.weebly.com/graphic-organizers-and-writing-templates.html

2. They Say/I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing with Readings (Second Edition)
http://books.wwnorton.com/books/webad.aspx?id=4294986798

3. High School Essay Templates
http://writewellapp.com/high-school-essay-templates-and-formats

4. Elementary School – Sentence Generators
http://sentence.yourdictionary.com/

5. More Stem Sentences
https://www.pinterest.com/explore/sentence-stems/

6. Handwriting without Tears
http://www.hwtears.com/hwt

Sources

Evidenced-Based Intervention Techniques for Dyslexia, Learning Disorders, and ADHD-from Turning Point Assessments
https://iqtestingdenver.com/2017/05/31/evidenced-based-intervention-techniques-for-dyslexia-learning-disorders-and-adhd/

Orton–Gillingham: What You Need to Know-by Peggy Rosen and Understood.org
https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/partnering-with-childs-school/instructional-strategies/orton-gillingham-what-you-need-to-know

For more information about tools & resources to help improve reading fluency, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image sources:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com AND
Pixabay.com at https://pixabay.com

Low-tech and Digital Supports for Challenged Readers and Writers

Part 3 & final article in a series about Assistive Technologies for Challenged Readers

Many of the keyword searches that bring visitors to our blog and websites revolve around the term “struggling" or "challenged" readers and writers (really?) We felt it was about time to provide a list of good tech tools for teachers, parents and others who work tirelessly with children and teens challenged with reading (dyslexia, convergence insufficiency, etc.) and/or writing (dysgraphia, dyspraxia, etc.)

To follow here, you will find a collection of supportive low-tech & digital technologies for spelling, grammar, decoding, tracking, fluency, word choice, reading level, and overall visual readability. We hope these tech resources will “fill the bill” for those who come to us looking for solutions to help the many struggling readers and writers everywhere.

Reading & Writing Support Tools for Challenged Readers & Writers

1. Clicker 7 - Custom onscreen keyboards, talking word processor, word prediction & more (Mac & PC-FREE trial)
http://www.cricksoft.com/us/products/clicker/home.aspx

2. Ghotit - Spelling/grammar checker software & mobile apps for dyslexia & dysgraphia
(Mac/PC/iOS/Android/Linux-FREE trial)
http://www.ghotit.com/

3. Ginger Software - Spellchecker for content (online, PC-FREE & $)
http://www.gingersoftware.com/

4. Grammarly - Grammar & spelling checker (FREE & $)
https://www.grammarly.com/

5. Low-tech Reading Focus Cards - Customizable reading tools for physical books, documents & other applications (From $16.95)
http://www.focusandread.com/products

6. OpenDyslexic - Font designed by Abbie Gonzalez to ease visual aspects of reading for dyslexia (FREE)
http://opendyslexic.org/

7. Reading Focus Cards App - Virtual index card-like reading tool to aid visual focus, tracking, fluency, comprehension & retention---infinitely customizable (Mac, PC-$5.99)
http://www.focusandread.com/page/488513590

8. Rewordify - Automatically defines, or substitutes simpler words in place on web pages (FREE)
http://rewordify.com/

9. Snap&Read Universal - Text-to-speech, image-to-text conversion & text leveling (simplify difficult words) for online reading (FREE trial)
http://donjohnston.com/snap-read/

10. Visual Thesaurus - Visual word map (online, Mac & PC-FREE & $)
http://www.visualthesaurus.com/

11. WordQ - Allows readers to modify word prediction to use specific vocabulary or topics.(Various $)
http://www.goqsoftware.com/wordQ.php?gclid=CN6P3K-l8KwCFRECQAod9TKxKg

12. WriteOnline - word banks, talking word processor, word prediction, mind mapping (online, Mac & PC-FREE trial)
http://www.cricksoft.com/us/products/writeonline/default.aspx

Sources:
My Assistive Technology Toolbox by Shelley Haven, ATP, RET
http://techpotential.net/attoolbox

Software & Assistive Technology by DyslexiaHelp, University of Michigan
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/software-assistive-technology

For more information about assistive technologies for challenged readers, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

10 Tips to Help Children with Dysgraphia

Does your child struggle to write on the appropriate lines provided? Do you know or teach a child who is challenged and/or frustrated with simply forming basic letters and words? A child or student with these issues just might be challenged with dysgraphia.

Dysgraphia is a neurological disorder characterized by writing disabilities. Specifically, the disorder causes a person's writing to be distorted or incorrect. In children, the disorder generally emerges when they are first introduced to writing. They make inappropriately sized and spaced letters, or write wrong or misspelled words, despite thorough and apporpriate instruction.

Children with the disorder may have other learning disabilities; however, they usually have no social or other academic problems. Dysgraphia in adults generally occurs after some trauma. In addition to poor handwriting, dysgraphia is characterized by wrong or odd spelling, and production of words that are not correct (i.e., using "boy" for "child"). The cause of the disorder is unknown, but in adults, it is usually associated with damage to the parietal lobe of the brain.

1. First, CHANGE the paper used for writing.
A person with dysgraphia experiences significant challenges in the writing process. These challenges involve the inability to organize information that is stored in memory AND getting words on to paper by handwriting or typing them.

These 2 challenges prevent dysgraphic persons from understanding the spacing between letters, words, and sentences. In order to help your child visualize the space and to minimize frustration, first consider replacing your child’s lined paper with graph paper or turn the lined paper sideways, with each letter getting its own block/space and leaving an empty block/space between words.

You might also try using various kinds of highlighted printing papers. There are a few online sources for such supplies. (Please see FREE downloadable templates available via the link provided below here, too.)

Also, consider changing the color of the writing paper. A particular pastel color for paper may help alleviate some of the visual stress caused by white papers. Just the "right" colored paper for your child could make a positive difference, if only in the way he approaches the writing task.

2. CHANGE the writing tool or instrument your child uses.
Dysgraphia affects fine motor control. Because of this, gripping a pencil or pen lightly isn’t natural. Encourage your child to write as if she were holding a feather, or take it a bit further and give her an actual quill and ink. Feathers are delicate and children tend to handle them much more gently than they do a solid object like a pencil. If a quill is not readily available, consider using chalk, as it will crumble when pressed too hard. Also, consider the use of a thicker pen/pencil for improved grip. In addition, a soft or cushioned pencil grip added to a writing instrument can provide more comfort, stability and security for the user, especially if sensory issues are present.

As for writing surfaces, the bigger, the better! Use an easel or a large sheet of white poster board. Another option is to use sliding glass doors on which to write (with washable markers or transparency pens) as they are huge and the glass surface naturally encourages my children to write much more softly than they would on other surfaces. An added benefit is that these large glass doors can easily and quickly be washed.

In addition, adding a soft and comfortable pencil grip or holder to the writing tool currently used can provide much support for a struggling writer. These types of pencil grips can be found online from various special needs sources.

3. TEACH your child to type and effectively use a computer keyboard.
To help eliminate much of the stress of repeated writing difficulties, allow your child to express his ideas and thoughts with a word processor or computer keyboard. Providing this option can relax and enable your child to make more progress in learning in all content areas. Another option for this purpose is a portable keyboard/word processor called AlphaSmart. Although an older type of assistive technology, the AlphaSmart keyboards can provide the needed typing tool for a challenged writer and is available online either new or used.

4. INTRODUCE your child to gross motor skill exercises.
Show your child a few gross motor skill exercises to strengthen the arm and hand. Then incorporate these exercises into your child's daily routine. Make them fun, combining them with rhymes or your child's favorite kind of music. A good resource for these types of exercises is OT Mom Learning Activities (please see "gross motor" link below here).

5. INTRODUCE fine motor control exercises.
Introduce fine motor control exercises to strengthen the fingers and wrist. Add these to your child's daily activities as well. By combining these exercises with some relaxing instrumental music selections, your child may relax a bit more and be able to concentrate on the exercises more successfully. A variety of fine motor exercises can also be accessed via many special needs or OT websites such as OT Mom Learning Activities, too (please see "fine motor" link below here).

6. CONSIDER by-passing printing & proceed directly to cursive writing.
The move to cursive, too, can significantly reduce the levels of frustration experienced by many with dysgraphia, allowing them to relax and become better able to write. This might be a temporary by-pass of printing, or it could become more permanent, depending upon the results observed with the cursive writing.

7. DEVELOP & UTILIZE narration or speaking skills whenever possible.
Dysgraphia causes some individuals to experience a block between thinking something and writing it. Narration is an excellent tool for helping your child record her thoughts. Saying letters and words aloud as they are recorded on a small tech device (mp3 player or the like) or with a text-to-speech program will also be a benefit when it is time to write down those words. A handy list will have already been created.

8. WORK TOGETHER to evaluate & change your writing goals as needed.
Discuss at least once per week about how the accommodations are working to help your child. Even if your child is young, he can provide valuable input as to what is working and what is not. He may even have additional ideas to add or request, especially after you have begun to show him just a few helpful strategies or accommodations.

9. DEMONSTRATE and USE large "air writing" techniques.
Demonstrate and use large "air writing" of letters to develop a more efficient motor memory for the sequence of steps necessary in making each letter. You might also introduce "sand writing" which involves using the finder to write out letters in a sided tray of sand. These multi-sensory approaches often yield very positive results.

10.MAKE USE of a other multi-sensory techniques.
Make use of a variety of multi-sensory techniques to further develop handwriting skills. Visit Dysgraphia Resources to access more than 200 multi-sensory activities, tools and other resources to help your child with the challenges of dysgraphia (many of the resources there are FREE, too!)

Sources & Resources:

8 Strategies to Beat Dysgraphia from Homeschool Gameschool blog
http://homeschoolgameschool.com/8-strategies-to-beat-dysgraphia/

Strategies for Dealing with Dysgraphia by Regina G. Richards, LD Online
http://www.ldonline.org/article/5890

BEST Websites for Dyslexia & Dysgraphia from Help for Struggling Readers blog
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2013/10/best-websites-for-dyslexia-dysgraphia.html

Pencil Grips and Holders from Fun and Function
https://funandfunction.com/more/write-and-more/grips.html

AlphaSmart Keyboards
Portable assistive technology for keyboarding and word processing.
https://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aalphasmart%20keyboards

Fine Motor Activities from OT Mom Learning Activities
www.ot-mom-learning-activities.com/hand-exercises-for-kids.html

Gross Motor Skill Activities-from OT Mom Learning Activities
http://www.ot-mom-learning-activities.com/gross-motor-activities.html

Able Apps for Dysgraphia from Help for Struggling Readers blog
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2012/08/able-apps-for-dysgraphia.html

200+ Dysgraphia Resources---ALL in 1 Place from Brennan Innovators, LLC
More than 200 multi-sensory resources to help someone you know with dysgraphia.
https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/dysgraphia-resources/?etslf=6371&eq=Dysgraphia

For information on digital & low-tech reading tools for ADHD, dyslexia and other challenges, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

Dyslexia's Strengths, Talents & Gifts

Very often, parents hear only what is negative about their children who struggle to read. At parent/teacher conferences, educators may quickly broach the topic of reading difficulties for a particular child, enumerating a list of challenges that must be addressed. Much less frequently, the discussion will mention the strengths of these children who are struggling readers, especially when these readers have dyslexia.

Did you know that many children and adults with dyslexia have specific strengths and talents? Yes, they do, and we hope to enumerate those here in our blog this week. We also hope that teachers and parents will take a long look at this list and begin recognizing these gifts and special abilities of some of the challenged readers they know and care about in their classrooms and families. If they do, those who struggle to read will improve self-esteem and realize in themselves that they have much more to offer our world than others might think.

The Strengths, Talents and Gifts of Dyslexia

Children and adults with DYSLEXIA are often:

-Creative
-Intuitive
-Persistent
-Empathetic
-Dramatic
-Artistic

In addition, persons with DYSLEXIA frequently possess these strengths:

-Have the ability to see the "big picture" with projects, ideas, etc.
-Possess strong, problem-solving skills
-Have excellent, critical thinking and reasoning skills
-Can think in fully-interactive, 3-dimensional environments
-Demonstrate lateral thinking
-Conceive objects from every possible angle
-Are capable of short periods of high focus
-Are acutely aware of surroundings
-Often inclined to think "outside the box"
-Can see patterns, connections and similarities that others cannot

Do any of these strengths look familiar as you think about your child or student with dyslexia? If not, please take another look. If you see several items that apply to a child you know, help him to channel that strength or further develop those talents. If you do, you will help him move in the direction of improving his self-esteem AND his chances of becoming a reader less challenged.

Sources & Resources:

10 Little-known Advantages of Dyslexia by Marianne Sunderland
This article from the Abundant Life blog lists some of the special talents and abilities of those with dyslexia. Also, a list of careers or vocations that work well for persons with dyslexia is provided.
http://www.mariannesunderland.com/2012/08/10-little-known-advantages-of-dyslexica/

strengths of dyslexia by Aidan Fitzpatrick
Basic list of strengths for persons with dyslexia
http://sourceforge.net/p/dyslexicgift/home/Home/

For more information on customizable reading tools for dyslexia, better focus & attention, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

Are There Different Types of Dyslexia?

It is not easy to subdivide dyslexia into groups or category types. There are various theories regarding categories for this learning difference, each dividing up dyslexia differently (types, sub-types, etc.) and offering different methods of intervention.

Although there is this desire to categorize or label one with dyslexia, it is far better to consider an individual's strengths, how that person's unique set of symptoms negatively affects him/her and then what can be done to overcome the symptoms while building those strengths.

The following is a brief description of three main types of dyslexia as described by David Perlstein, MD, MBA, FAAP from MedicineNet.com (Please see source link to follow.) These types are based on cause rather than only symptoms. We have chosen to present this information in a bulleted format for the benefit of challenged readers.

A. 3 Different Types of Dyslexia

There are several types of dyslexia that can affect an individual's ability to spell and/or read.

Trauma Dyslexia
1. Usually occurs after some form of brain trauma or injury to the area of the brain that controls reading and writing
2. Rarely seen in today's school-age population

Primary Dyslexia
1. A dysfunction of, rather than damage to, the left side of the brain (cerebral cortex)
2. Does not change with age
3. Individuals affected are rarely able to read above fourth-grade level.
4. Individuals affected may continue to struggle with reading, spelling & writing as adults.
5. Often hereditary (passed trough family lines)
6. Found more often in boys than girls

Secondary Dyslexia (or Developmental Dyslexia)
1. Believed to be caused by hormonal development during early stages of fetal development.
2. Often diminishes as children mature
3. Also more common in boys than girls

B. Dyslexia May Affect Several Different Functions

1. Visual Dyslexia: Often characterized by number and/or letter reversals as well as the inability to write symbols in the correct sequence.

2. Auditory Dyslexia: Involves difficulty with sounds of letters or groups of letters. The sounds are perceived as jumbled or not heard correctly

3. Dysgraphia: Refers to a child's difficulty holding and controlling a pencil so that the correct markings can be made on paper.

It is important to keep in mind that every case of dyslexia is different. One of the reasons it’s difficult to divide dyslexia neatly into categories is because each person has a different set of symptoms. Although there may be a tendency to "pigeonhole" an individual into one category or another, it is again much better to resist this approach and focus instead on that individual's strengths. Then build on those strengths in all teaching and learning efforts made.

Dyslexia Sources & Resources

Dyslexia-by David Perlstein, MD, MBA, FAAP and MedicineNet.com
General information about dyslexia that includes symptoms, signs, causes, diagnoses, types and other related content.
http://www.medicinenet.com/dyslexia/article.htm

Scientific Types of Dyslexia-from BeatingDyslexia.com
Two theories about the sub-types of dyslexia are briefly described. http://www.beatingdyslexia.com/types-of-dyslexia.html

Dyslexia Resources for Parents-from The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity
Information and helpful resources for parents who want to help their children with dyslexia.
http://dyslexia.yale.edu/parents.html

Helping Children with Dyslexia-from WebMD.com
General information about signs, symptoms, statistics and causes of dyslexia in children. Includes links to treatment options and other related information.
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/helping-children-with-dyslexia

For information on customizable reading tools for ADHD & other reading challenges:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

BEST Websites for Dyslexia & Dysgraphia

The 2nd in a series of 5 articles with specific special needs resources
Updated November 2016

In last week’s article, we mentioned that this month was ADHD Awareness Month, and we provided our readers with some helpful ADHD website resources to commemorate the next 31 days---BEST Websites for AD/HD. That same article was the first in a series of five this month of October, also designated as Learning Disabilities Awareness Month. To continue our series AND address the needs of other learning disabilities, this week’s article will address some helpful resources for two other learning challenges---dyslexia and dysgraphia.

What Is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a lifelong challenge. This language-based processing disorder can hinder reading, writing, spelling and sometimes even speaking. Dyslexia is not a sign of poor intelligence or laziness or the result of impaired hearing or vision. Children and adults with dyslexia have a neurological disorder that causes their brains to process and interpret information differently.
(Source: National Center for Learning Disabilities---NCLD: Please see website link to follow below here.)

Studies show that individuals with dyslexia process information in a different area of the brain than do non-dyslexics. Many people who are dyslexic are of average to above-average intelligence.
(Source: The International Dyslexia Association---IDA: Please see website link to follow below here.)

What Is Dysgraphia?

Dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects writing, which in itself requires a complex set of motor and information processing skills. Dysgraphia makes the act of writing difficult. It can lead to problems with spelling, poor handwriting and putting thoughts on paper. People with dysgraphia can have trouble organizing letters, numbers and words on a line or page. This can result partly from:

• Visual-spatial difficulties: trouble processing what the eye sees
• Language processing difficulty: trouble processing and making sense of what the ear hears
(Source: National Center for Learning Disabilities---NCLD: Please see website link to follow below here.)

We hope that the website resources listed below for dyslexia and dysgraphia will be helpful to you or to someone you know.

BEST Websites & Resources for Dyslexia

The International Dyslexia Association
https://dyslexiaida.org

The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity
http://www.dyslexia.yale.edu/

DyslexiaHelp at the University of Michigan
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/

Articles and Resources for Dyslexia from Understood.org
https://www.understood.org/en/about/search-results?q=dyslexia

800+ Dyslexia Resources & Support---ALL in 1 Place! from Brennan Innovators, LLC
https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/dyslexia-resources-support/

BEST Websites & Resources for Dysgraphia

The International Dyslexia Association
https://dyslexiaida.org/understanding-dysgraphia/

Dysgraphia from National Center for Learning Disabilities
http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dysgraphia/what-is-dysgraphia

Dysgraphia from LD Online
http://www.ldonline.org/article/5890/

Dysgraphia from Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA)
http://www.ldanatl.org/aboutld/parents/ld_basics/dysgraphia.asp

Articles and Resources for Dysgraphia from Understood.org
https://www.understood.org/en/about/search-results?q=dysgraphia

Handwriting Problem Solutions from Handwriting Problem Solutions, LLC
http://www.handwriting-solutions.com/dysgraphia.asp

200+ Dysgraphia Resources---ALL in 1 Place---Brennan Innovators, LLC
https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/dysgraphia-resources/?etslf=9438&eq=dysgraphia

For information on customizable tools for dyslexia & other reading challenges:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC

BEST Apple-Compatible Apps for Challenged Spellers

For iPhone, iPod touch & iPad

Last week's published article here included apps to help challenged spellers with Android devices. Since that time, we have been receiving requests to give equal time and attention to those struggling spellers with Apple-compatible devices, such as iPhones, iPads, etc. There is a significant need for educational apps compatible for both platforms, but spelling apps currently appear to be in particular demand.

As a result, we have been researching well-reviewed and recently-updated, Apple-compatible apps for those of you who need frequent help with correct spelling. So, without further ado, here is our "BEST" list of these apps for you:

BEST Apple-Compatible Apps for Challenged Spellers

Spelling Bee Challenge---by Galaxyreach, LLC (ALL Ages)
Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later ---Over 13,000 words on 10 different levels with increasing degrees of difficulty---The words are split based on word length. Words are arranged in groups of 4-5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 or more letters.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/spelling-bee-challenge/id435201514?mt=8

Sight Words & Spelling with Pixopop HD---by Marcel Widarto (Price: $2.99)
Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later. Appropriate for younger children. This app will help your child learn sight words through seeing, hearing and spelling. The three different game modes (Flash Card, Word Challenge and Spelling) will guide your child through the different stages of learning the sight words.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sight-words-spelling-pixopop/id520191544?mt=8

American Wordspeller---by i.m. Press (Price: $4.99) (ALL Ages)
Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad & requires iOS 4.3 or later.
Looking up a word in a dictionary isn’t that simple if you have no idea how to spell it. This app removes that problem and employs a method that lets you much more easily pinpoint how to spell just about any word.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/american-wordspeller/id397617771?mt=8

Typ-O HD-Writing is for Everybody!---by SecondGuess ApS (Price: $14.99) (ALL Ages)
Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad & requires iOS 5.1 or later.
This app is optimized for iPhone 5. Updated: Feb. 2, 2013---Poor spellers can rejoice over this great application that helps spell words correctly in any typing-related program for iPhone or iPad.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/typ-o-hd-writing-is-for-everybody!/id372971659?mt=8

A1 Spelling App---By Power Math Apps (Price: FREE) (ALL Ages)
Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.0 or later.
This application is a great way to help poor spellers begin to learn the correct spelling of common words, increasing difficulty as kids master words.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/a1-spelling-app-free/id438784501?mt=8

Rocket Speller---by Little Big Thinkers (Price: FREE) (Ages 3-7)
Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later. This app is optimized for iPhone 5. Updated: Jan. 23, 2013--- Rocket Speller is a fun and engaging spelling app for 3-7 year olds now with 5 levels of difficulty. Educators, occupational therapists, special education teachers, and parents agree that kids are engaged and learning with this app.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rocket-speller/id492504689?mt=8

SoundLiteracy---by 3D Literacy, LLC (Price: $24.99—expensive but could be worth it with a portion of the proceeds from this app going to the Dyslexia Association) (ALL Ages)
Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 5.0 or later.
This app is incredibly useful to many, employing the Orton-Gillingham method to help students recognize the spellings of English phonemes.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/soundliteracy/id409347075?mt=8

Spell Trekking---by Centra Professional Services Limited (Price: $1.99) (Ages 5-12)
Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 5.1 or later. Updated: Dec 13, 2012
The multi-sensory lessons in this app make reading and spelling easy and fun, even if your child has struggled with learning before. Based on a proven system developed and used successfully over the last 25 years, this simple but brilliant intervention app will build independent learning and improve self-confidence for every user.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/spell-trekking/id547625622?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Merriam-Webster Dictionary---by Merriam-Webster, Inc. (Price: FREE) (ALL Ages)
Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.
When spelling is a problem, it’s always a good idea to have a really great dictionary on hand. This app from Merriam-Webster can provide that.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/merriam-webster-dictionary/id399452287?mt=8

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTM4ODAyNzI1OV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMDAyOTY4OA@@._V1.jpg

Android Apps for Challenged Spellers

We understand our readers' need for more educational Android apps and those for the Kindle Fire HD. Unfortunately, these apps are not as plentiful---yet! However, there is every indication that eventually they will be more numerous and may even surpass the number of Apple-compatible apps available today.

For sometime now, having an app selling in the iTunes store was a real accomplishment, but that may be changing, too. Outside the U.S., the use of Android devices is much more prevalent---for Apple, not so much. So, more and more educational Android apps will be developed, tested and released.

As for Kindle Fire HD, it is a new device---so fewer apps may be available at the moment. This, too, will eventually change for the better. Patience for a little longer may be required.

This week, we wanted to provide a collection of spelling apps for Android devices (and 1 for the Kindle Fire). Spelling is very often a serious challenge for struggling readers, contributing to less fluency and poor comprehension. Recently, we have had more than a few requests for Android spelling apps. So we hope this new list of Android spelling apps will address that pressing need.

Android Spelling Apps

Spell Checker (+voice input)---FREE app for Androidsx---Updated January 7, 2013
#1 Spell Checker for Android with more than 2 million and a half downloads! Supports English, Spanish, French, Italian, German and other languages
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.androidsx.checkspelling&hl=en

Kids’ Spelling (Android) Apps---Some apps are FREE here
Short list of Android spelling apps for kids of various age groups
http://www.appszoom.com/android_applications/kids+spelling

Brilliant Spelling with TUTOR (Lite)---FREE Android app
By Effective Objects
Fun and entertaining app---Good for children with dyslexia or dysgraphia
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.effectiveobjects.bspellinglite&feature=more_from_developer#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwMiwiY29tLmVmZmVjdGl2ZW9iamVjdHMuYnNwZWxsaW5nbGl0ZSJd

Brilliant Spelling with TUTOR (FULL version of the above app)---Android app ---Price: $2.99
By Effective Objects
Fun and entertaining app---Good for children with dyslexia or dysgraphia
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.effectiveobjects.bspelling&hl=en

Spelling Bee Android App---Price: $.99
By Socratica, LLC --- For All Ages---Available instantly for Kindle Fire or Android devices
Spelling Bee is an ideal study aid for children, but it's also great for anyone who wants to improve their spelling skills. It features a database of more than 2,300 English words--along with definitions and clear audio clips of each word's pronunciation--so you can expand your knowledge base quickly and easily.
http://www.amazon.com/Socratica-LLC-Spelling-Bee/dp/B007FGM2EE

Happy spelling!

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Source: USAToday article of January 29, 2013, on the growing popularity of Android devices on U.S. college campuses: http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2013/01/29/apple-rim-google-iphone-android-samsung/1868775/.)

Image courtesy of:
http://www.sulit.com.ph/index.php/view+classifieds/id/7397028/KNC+710+PC+Tablet+7inches+Android#imageGallery

New Dyslexia Resources--Fall 2012

At the literacy and vision conferences attended during the past two weeks, we were asked many questions about dyslexia. In fact, we received more questions from teachers, tutors and parents about dyslexia than about any other topic at both events.

Current statistics show that nearly 15% to 20% of school-aged children in the U.S. may be affected by some form of dyslexia. Yet only 5% are recognized (often because the dyslexia is severe) and receive assistance.

Approximately 60% of individuals diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) also have dyslexia. However, their learning and language differences are often unrecognized because only the behavioral aspects of ADHD are addressed. Without the proper diagnosis and help, many of these individuals with dyslexia and ADHD are only functionally literate, and are part of the 44 million adults with only the lowest level of literacy. This limits their ability to find jobs and function independently in their communities. (Source: The Dyslexia Research Institute)

With this data, it is easy to see why we received so many recent inquiries relating to this particular reading challenge. We felt it was just the right time to offer some updated information and a few more resources for these teachers and parents as well as for our regular blog readers here.

Animation Video---To Help Explain Dyslexia
From BrainPOP
http://bpopne.ws/OYPAyt

7 Activities Affected by Dyslexia (Blog article)
From ChromaGen Vision’s blog
http://wereadbetter.com/7-activities-affected-by-dyslexia/

The Upside of Dyslexia (Opinion Article)
By Annie Murphy Hall---Published: February 4, 2012
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/05/opinion/sunday/the-upside-of-dyslexia.html?ref=dyslexia&_r=0

Signs of Dyslexia Start Before Reading, Study Finds (from ABC News--& VIDEOS)
By Mikaela Conley (@mikaelaconley)---Published: April 5, 2012
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/visual-attention-lead-dyslexia-children/story?id=16078380#.UHh7oK61ySo

Online Dyslexia Testing
From Lexercise---Company in Raleigh, NC, offers services to help children with reading, writing and spelling disorders such as dyslexia and dysgraphia.
Disclaimer: This is a FREE dyslexia test to see if your child is having trouble reading and processing words. This online test determines if your child needs a full evaluation in order for the best individualized treatment plan to be developed. This online test is NOT a replacement for such an evaluation.
http://www.lexercise.com/dyslexia-services/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Microsoft%2BPPC

10 Top Tips for Helping Your Child with Dyslexia
From Teach Our Kids
http://www.teach-our-kids.co.uk/10-top-tips-for-helping-your-child-with-dyslexia/

Spell Trekking in Schools: the New App for Literacy Tuition---New, multi-sensory iPad literacy app
From CENTRA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LIMITED
Blog article about the app: http://centradyslexia.wordpress.com/2012/08/07/11-using-the-new-app-for-literacy-tuition-in-schools/
Access to app: FREE download at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/spell-trekking/id547625622?mt=8
Website: http://www.spelltrekking.com/

Dyslexia Research Institute Information and resources about dyslexia
http://www.dyslexia-add.org/

Happy reading, everyone!

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image provided by: http://classroomclipart.com/clipart-search/page-189/all-phrase/school/

Able Apps for Dysgraphia

Updated November 2016

Do you know a child or adult with dysgraphia? Do you know what it means to have this disorder? Perhaps it is related to the approaching new school year, but we have been noticing more keyword searches on both our website and blogsite here that include the term dysgraphia.

NINDS (National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke) describes dysgraphia as “a neurological disorder characterized by writing disabilities. Specifically, the disorder causes a person's writing to be distorted or incorrect. In children, the disorder generally emerges when they are first introduced to writing. They make inappropriately sized and spaced letters, or write wrong or misspelled words, despite thorough instruction.

Children with dysgraphia may have other learning disabilities; however, they usually have no social or other academic problems. Dysgraphia in adults generally occurs after some trauma. In addition to poor handwriting, dysgraphia is characterized by wrong or odd spelling, and production of words that are not correct (i.e., using "boy" for "child"). The cause of the disorder is unknown, but in adults, it is usually associated with damage to the parietal lobe of the brain.”

In simpler terms, dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects a person's writing abilities. It can manifest itself as difficulties with spelling, poor handwriting and challenges with putting thoughts on paper. In addition, dysgraphia is often common in children with ADHD and related disorders. The disorder affects approximately 10% of the population. Some medical professionals and educators recommend that children and adults with dysgraphia use computers and other tech devices to avoid the problems of handwriting.

Here are some of the symptoms of dysgraphia:

• Illegible writing
• Cramped or unusual pencil grip
• Writing from the wrist instead of dynamic hand
• Mixing uppercase and lowercase letters in the same word
• Omitted words, unfinished words or misplaced words
• Difficulty thinking and writing at the same time
• Talking to oneself while writing
• Random or non-existent punctuation
• Difficulty with syntax and grammar
• Writing that may be legible but is laboriously produced

With the apparent and noted need for information on this topic, we thought it might be helpful to provide our readers with a list of good apps for dysgraphia, especially as we quickly approach the new fall semester. After some research, we located the following apps that we hope will help a child or adult you know challenged with dysgraphia:

Apps for Dysgraphia

1. A collection of 6 apps specifically for dysgraphia---Ecosystems and Interactions blog
http://wandadawnleanne.blogspot.com/2012/06/useful-apps-for-students-with.html

2. Text Grabber-Version 5.4.7 -- This app allows the user to take a picture of a document with text, the app performs OCR, activate Voice Over, and it will read it to the user---by ABBYY -- Price is $4.99 - Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/textgrabber-+-translator/id438475005?mt=8

3. mobile112 This app is a full-featured Android app for users with dyslexia, literacy or word finding problems, aphasia or dysgraphia. It can also be used to capture (OCR) and translate any written text in any European language (and soon also Cyrillic/Japanese/Chinese/Korean). (Trial edition available from Google Play---free for 30 days.)
http://mobile112.net/download.html

4. Apps to Help Students with Dysgraphia & Writing Difficulties---Academic Therapy Center
https://academictherapycenter.com/2014/05/apps-to-help-students-with-dysgraphia-and-writing-difficulties/

Special Note: It has been found that individuals with dysgraphia can often benefit from regular use of the Pages application on an iMac to complete most “written” work. Also, it can be helpful to use the speech recognition features built into the Mac OS to navigate the screen, because the fine-motor movements required to use the mouse can often be hard to control. As a student moves into higher grades and the number of written assignments increases, using the iMac will save time and make it easier for teachers to review the student’s work than if written by hand.

Other Resources
A variety of helpful articles on dysgraphia (from Scoop.it!)
http://www.scoop.it/search?q=dysgraphia&type=post&page=1&limit=24&x=26&y=14

The NINDS (National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke) web page for information on dysgraphia---treatment options, research, clinical trials and more
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dysgraphia/dysgraphia.htm

Sources for this article:
1. Information on the Pages application of iMas and Mac OS speech recognition features
http://www.apple.com/education/docs/L419373AUS_L419373A_AppleTechDisabilities.pdf

2. General information on dysgraphia from blog entitled A Mom’s (and Dad”s) View of ADHD
http://adhdmomma.com/2011/04/adhd-and-dysgraphia.html

3. The NINDS (National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke) for dysgraphia definition
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dysgraphia/dysgraphia.htm

4. The dyslexia A2Z website
http://www.dyslexiaa2z.com/learning_difficulties/dysgraphia/dysgraphia_what_is.html

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Clip art courtesy of: http://www.dyslexiaa2z.com/learning_difficulties/dysgraphia/dysgraphia_what_is.html