Episode Details

328: Useful Technology in Homeschooling Special Needs High Schoolers with Melody Durham

In this episode, Meryl chats with homeschool mom, Melody Durham, who shares the tech tools that have helped her dyslexic high schooler succeed. From smart pens to speech-to-text software, Melody explains what’s worked, why it’s made a difference, and how to advocate for your student in homeschool and classroom settings.

Topics Covered:

• Why Melody began homeschooling her daughter with dyslexia

• Tools recommended by the Yale Center for Dyslexia

• Dictation tools: Microsoft Word vs Google Docs, and the importance of a good microphone

• Audiobooks: Chirp Books (budget-friendly) and Bookshare (free for qualified students)

• Built-in screen readers in Chrome and Edge for reading online articles aloud

• Tips for working with co-op or online teachers and advocating for needed accommodations

Mentioned Resources:

• Yale Center for Dyslexia’s Technology Recommendations
• LiveScribe Pen
• Good quality microphone
• Microsoft Surface using OneNote
• Dragon NaturallySpeaking
• Chirp Books
• Bookshare
• Screen readers (built into Chrome and Edge)

Parents: Don’t forget to communicate your student’s learning needs with co-op or online class teachers—they’re often more than willing to help!