About this episode
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
