Hi, there are several issues mentioned regarding dyslexia, dysgraphia; touch typing; voice recognition etc. Another issue was whether there is a connection between dysgraphia and touch typing. I have two children (grown up) with dyslexia and have nearly 30 years working in this field. Unlike some other people, I do not see the value of 'touch typing' that said, I do think students should be able to know their away round a keyboard at a reasonable speed. My children and their father all can 'peck' at a keyboard with good accuracy at about 45 wpm, which I don't think is bad. Voice Recognition software (Dragon Naturally Preferred 10) is brilliant (wish I had shares in this company). I would think the reason your daughter is having problems with this is because one of the things you have to do is 'read something, several different things, IN YOUR OWN VOICE'. Now, the problem comes in when I have heard many students read something like this, 'The cat sat on the mat'. The student often takes a nice big breath, (usually in the quietest room in the house) and then says, 't.h.e.. c.a.t. s.a.t. and so on. Now, normally, none of speak in this manner, thereby when the student goes to use the computer, it does not recognise her voice. It is really important that students take these reading cards and read them in their own relaxed voice. Try again, it really is brilliant.
The issue between dysgraphia and touch typing, is probably because dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia etc., are not usually solely on there own, often these condition overlap and it may be that if a student has dysgraphia, they have a small part of dyspraxia, i.e., fine motor control.
Hope this helps and if you like further information, I have five books on special needs and a website:
www.dyslexiaa2z.com.kind regards
Maria
