Pen readers

It sounds as if you are referring to the Reading Pen II from WizCom Technologies, which was specifically designed for people with reading or learning disabilities, dyslexia, and literacy issues. If a user is reading and comes to an unrecognized word, phrase, sentence, the user can simply scan it/them, and the word(s) will be both spoken and seen on the face of the pen— offering simultaneous multi-sensory re-enforcement. What’s more, built right into The Reading Pen II is the American Heritage College Dictionary, which offers the user the ability to easily access the definition of a scanned word, or a word from a line of scanned text; the Pen provides both an enlarged view of the word and definition, as well as reading both the words and definition aloud using its miniaturized text-to-speech technology. Words on the display may be spelled out, or broken into syllables.
This fits in a pocket, just — 6” x 1 1/2” x 1”, 3 oz. in size and weight!
A chip can be added to it to make it a pocket scanner, holding hundreds of pages of text.

My severely dyslexic son has used one of these beginning in 5th grade when he was completely unable to read, has carried it with him daily for the past 3 years (not once misplacing it, which is amazing, as he is severely ADD and losses everything!). When I found it, he was ready to give up on school. I will never forget the excitement, enthusiasm, and most importantly, the renewed hope, that had long been lost, and I had truly feared gone forever!

Feel free to contact me for additional info!

Sincerely,

A Mom who has been through it all!

P.S. The product website, if you are looking for more details is:
http://www.wizcomtech.com/products2/readingpen2.php3

He should definitely try it out first — it’s great for some people, but many7 have been rather disappointed in it. Mostly it depends on whether the LD issues still interfere with figuring out what the pen is telling you.

With regard to Sue’s input:
She is correct, THERE IS NO ONE PRODUCT, SERVICE, METHODOLOGY, PROGRAM FOR ALL DYSLEXIC, LD, ADHD, … STUDENTS. If you should hear any company, organization, etc., claiming help/benefits for all— A RED FLAG SHOULD BE RAISED IMMEDIATELY, AND I WOULD STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU LOOK ELSEWHERE!

THE READING PEN II IS AN EXCELLENT PRODUCT; IT IS INCREDIBLY PORTABLE, AND MANY FIND IT TO BE AN INDISPENSABLE TOOL!

THE READING PEN II would not be appropriate for a student with severe auditory discrimination issues, or with such sever fine motor issues, that even with practice, the student could not scan over a word. Quite obviously, it is targeted to those who still struggle with word recognition, decoding, reading, literacy issues, accessing definitions (some students cannot find words in a dictionary—as the order of the alphabet can be extremely challenging for some), second language learners, etc..

My son uses multiple Assistive Technology products. For him, the Reading Pen I and II have been extremely useful! My son has inspired others to purchase the Reading Pen, and many others have found it just as helpful.

It is essential to select Assistive technology that specifically addresses the needs/deficits/difficulties of each individual student!

There are many wonderful products today and I frequently (volunteer to) help individuals in my area to select products specific to each person’s needs.

YOU KNOW YOU REALLY DON’T NEED TO SHOUT SO MUCH.
It really makes you come off so much like a hyper-trained pushy sales exec.

NORMAL PEOPLE JUST DON’T THINK OR TALK THAT WAY!!!

Hi Lori
I have a just 12yo son. I am looking into technology tools to help him. I’d love to chat with you about what else you’ve found helpful with your child. Mine has been in a “special” school for 3 years and is reentering public school as a 7th grader. I am scared to death because he still only reads at a 2nd grade level. He’s going to need something to read to him and something that will type for him.
Help.
robin