Optical Character Recognition
Learn about assistive technology tools called optical character recognition.
By Kristin Stanberry, Marshall Raskind, Ph.D.
This technology allows a user to scan printed material into a computer or handheld unit. The scanned text is then read aloud via a speech synthesis/screen reading system. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is available as stand-alone units, computer software, and as portable, pocket-sized devices.
What type(s) of learning difficulty do these tools address?
OCR may benefit people who struggle with: reading.
Products to Consider:
Resources to help you evaluate assistive technology for your child:
Kristin Stanberry is a writer and editor specializing in parenting, education, and consumer health/wellness issues. Her areas of expertise include learning disabilities and AD/HD, which she wrote about extensively for Schwab Learning and GreatSchools.
Marshall H. Raskind, Ph.D. is a learning disability researcher. He is a frequent presenter at international learning disability conferences and is the author of numerous professional publications on learning disabilities. He is well-known for his research in assistive technology and longitudinal studies tracing LD across the lifespan.
