Written by: Sonia Strueby, M.A., CCC-SLP, Founder of Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center
Originally Published: July 31, 2024 | Updated: August 31, 2026
Middle school, high school, and college bring a big jump in note-taking demands: fast-paced lectures, dense reading, and a lot of independent organization. For students with dyslexia, note-taking can be especially challenging, even when they’re strong thinkers and learners in every other way. The right assistive technology can close that gap significantly. Here are four tools worth considering, along with tips for choosing the right fit.
Why Is Note-Taking Especially Hard for Students With Dyslexia?
Dyslexia primarily affects reading and spelling, but those same underlying skills play a big role in fast, accurate note-taking. A student may understand a lecture perfectly well but struggle to write it down quickly, spell key terms correctly, or process spoken information and text at the same time. That gap between understanding and capturing information is exactly where assistive technology can help.
What Is Assistive Technology, and Why Does It Help?
Assistive technology helps a student complete a task they couldn’t otherwise do independently, or do as efficiently. According to the International Dyslexia Association, technology like text-to-speech is as important for students with dyslexia as screen readers are for students with visual impairments. It gives them access to written content and note-taking in a way that plays to their strengths rather than their challenges.
4 Assistive Technology Tools for Note-Taking
1. Livescribe Smartpen
This pen captures both what’s written and what’s spoken, using a built-in camera to record notes as they’re written and a microphone to record the lecture audio. Note that this device requires special Livescribe dot paper to work. It’s an excellent option if your child struggles with auditory processing, fast note-taking, or spelling, since your child can later upload notes to a computer and edit them while re-listening to the lecture audio.
2. Microsoft OneNote
This popular note-taking app remains free to use across most devices. It offers templates for lecture note-taking and studying, along with built-in text-to-speech and speech-to-text features. Both are valuable for students who process spoken and written information differently.
3. Evernote
Evernote allows your child to build a customized note-taking template suited to their needs. Its free plan has become quite limited in recent years, with a single device and a cap on total notes. Because of this, most families will want to budget for a low-cost paid plan if this tool fits your child’s workflow best.
4. Notability
Families generally use Notability on Apple devices. It offers audio-synced note-taking, so your child can record a lecture while taking notes, then jump to any point in the recording to edit or add to their notes later. Your child can type notes or use an Apple Pencil to handwrite and diagram. Notability’s pricing has changed over time and now includes a limited free tier, a one-time purchase option, and ongoing subscription plans, so it’s worth checking current pricing before choosing this route.
How Do I Choose the Right Tool for My Child?
- If auditory processing or keeping up with fast lectures is the main challenge, look at the Livescribe Smartpen or Notability for their audio-sync features
- If budget or cross-platform flexibility matters most, OneNote’s free, built-in text-to-speech features are hard to beat
- If your child is deep in the Apple ecosystem and enjoys handwriting or diagramming, Notability may be worth the cost
- Software pricing and features change often, so it’s worth checking each tool’s current plan details before committing
Why Should I Tell My Child’s School About Their Dyslexia Diagnosis?
It’s important to report your child’s diagnosis to their school so they can receive appropriate accommodations, including note-taking technology, extended time, or other supports written into a formal plan. Without that documentation, schools may not be able to provide the accommodations your child needs to succeed.
When Should I Seek Help?
If you’re not sure whether your child has dyslexia, want help understanding what accommodations they’re entitled to, or need guidance choosing and setting up the right assistive technology, our dyslexia support team can help.
Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center Provides Dyslexia Support
If you’d like more information about dyslexia, want to explore accommodations, or are concerned your child may have dyslexia, please contact us. At ETLC, we aim to provide each child and family with the specific interventions and accommodations that best fit their individual needs.
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