13 TOOLS

Language Skills Apps for Kids with Special Needs

These engaging, thoughtful, and accessible apps help kids with speech challenges build foundational language skills and alternative means of expression. There are image-based communication platforms, news sites tuned specifically to those with special needs and learning difficulties, text-to-speech tools, and note-taking and writing apps that offer multiple ways to communicate. For other ways to empower students with speech difficulties, check out our Apps and Sites for Storytelling and Best Tech-Creation Tools lists, which include terrific tools to help kids communicate their unique point of view.

Speech Journal

Audio wed to images for multiple learning/teaching goals

Bottom Line: Journal is easy to use, but sharing option is weak.

Grades: Pre-K–3
Price:
Paid

Articulation Station

Pricey but definitely worth it for kids struggling with pronunciation

Bottom Line: For helping students with letter and word pronunciation, this highly valuable tool is worth the cost.

Grades: K–2
Price:
Free to try

ConversationBuilder

Themed scripts help kids practice successful social exchanges

Bottom Line: For speech-language pathologists, this is a must-have tool for helping kids learn conversation skills.

Grades: K–6
Price:
Paid

QuestionIt

Wh- questions taught in concrete ways for kids with language delays

Bottom Line: A solid, if basic, approach to teaching question words and concepts to students with significant language issues.

Grades: K–7
Price:
Free to try, Paid

Proloquo2Go

Brilliant tool helps kids with speech difficulties communicate

Bottom Line: The price is hefty, but Proloquo2Go carries its weight by providing students and teachers an effective, one-of-a-kind communication tool.

Grades: K–12
Price:
Paid

Read&Write

Useful text-to-speech extension unlocks the written word

Bottom Line: This handy set of accessibility tools helps students get the access they need when they need it, promoting independence and building confidence.

Grades: K–12
Price:
Free, Free to try

Seeing AI

Free app uses AI to communicate the world to visually impaired kids

Bottom Line: Students who are blind or have visual impairments will likely find this multifunctional tool to be a welcome and useful shift from more limited apps.

Grades: K–12
Price:
Free

Vizzle

Visual lessons reinforce concepts for students with special needs

Bottom Line: Thoughtful but dated tool helps with differentiation and progress-tracking for students with autism.

Grades: K–12
Price:
Free to try, Paid

Pictello

Fabulous tool can help kids create social stories

Bottom Line: Pictello is a great way for kids to create social stories that can help them find their unique voice and prepare for internal and external struggles.

Grades: 1–5
Price:
Paid

News2you

Weekly newspaper makes current events accessible to all

Bottom Line: This a pricey tool but it's packed with a school year's worth of content and handy accessibility features.

Grades: 2–8
Price:
Paid

ClaroSpeak

Give kids a voice with supportive, quality text-to-speech tool

Bottom Line: It's easy to use, and the multiple settings and functions make this app well worth the price.

Grades: 2–12
Price:
Free, Paid

Notability

Flexible note-taking tool empowers learners of all abilities

Bottom Line: An excellent tool that lets students make their notes thorough and useful in the way that best suits their learning styles and abilities.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Paid

Microsoft OneNote

Note-taking giant built for flexible, collaborative work

Bottom Line: A powerful (and free) tool for thinking and organization that's making smart strides in the education space.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Free

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