Dyslexia & Reading Support
Reading support that works the way dyslexic students think.
Scanmarker Max is the reading pen most recommended by SPED and AT specialists for students with dyslexia— it doesn't ask students to read differently. It meets them where they are, with phonics-grounded read-aloud, exam-ready independence, and display settings that reduce visual stress.
Core capabilities
Three pillars of dyslexia support
Phonics module
Scanmarker Max breaks every scanned word into syllables and phonemes, displays phonetic pronunciation, and reads each component aloud. Grounded in structured literacy — the evidence-based approach recommended for students with dyslexia.
Exam-lock mode
On exam day, enable exam-lock mode to disable translation and internet features. The pen meets standardized test accommodation requirements while still giving students the read-aloud support their IEP or 504 plan specifies.
Instant read-aloud
Scan any printed line and hear it read aloud in under one second — no mouse hover, no text selection, no frustration. Students who struggle to decode print independently can access any textbook, handout, or exam without aide support.
Experience How Scanmarker Max Breaks Down Words
Grounded in Structured Literacy & Orton-Gillingham methods — hear phonemes in isolation.
Line-by-Line Scanned Text
comprehension
On-Device Dictionary definition:
The ability to understand and draw meaning from printed or spoken text.
Copy Ready IEP / 504 Plan Accommodation Language
ACCOMMODATION STATEMENT FOR SECTION 504 / IEP (SECTION 7: AT): "Student shall be permitted the use of a standalone OCR reading pen (Scanmarker Max or equivalent) with text-to-speech output via wired/wireless headphones for all instructional reading assignments, worksheets, and state/district assessments in accordance with certified Exam-Lock mode (disabling translation, dictionary, and internet connectivity)."
💡 Tip for Parents & Teachers: Present this exact wording during annual 504/IEP committee reviews to ensure standardized test compliance (SAT, ACT, State exams).
Recommended
The right pen for your student
Most SPED and AT specialists recommend Scanmarker Max or the Max Bundle for students with dyslexia. PAL is the right choice for younger students and tighter budgets.
Scanmarker Max Bundle
Scanmarker Max paired with 200 Phonics Flash Cards — the complete reading support kit for students with dyslexia, IEP plans, and early readers.
Also consider:
Feature detail
How it works in the classroom
Phonics breakdown
Words are split into phonemes on screen. Tap any phoneme to hear it pronounced in isolation — the same approach a reading specialist would use in a one-on-one session.
Font and display customization
Increase font size, switch to a dyslexia-friendly typeface like OpenDyslexic, and set a tinted background color to reduce visual stress. Every display preference saves automatically.
Exam accommodation mode
Exam-lock mode is PIN-protected and documented for accommodation coordinators. It restricts the pen to read-aloud only — compliant with most state and district AT accommodation policies.
Standalone operation
Max works without a phone, tablet, or computer. Students with dyslexia who are distracted by screens can focus on the printed page — not a device.
25%
reading comprehension improvement among IEP students using Scanmarker Max
Riverside Unified, 2023–2024
87
phoneme-grapheme pairs covered in the Phonics Flash Cards
16 hrs
battery life on Scanmarker Max — full school day with no recharge needed
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best reading pen for a student with dyslexia?
- Scanmarker Max is the most-recommended option by SPED and AT specialists: it works standalone (no phone or computer needed), includes a phonics module that breaks scanned words into syllables and phonemes, and has an exam-lock mode for accommodation compliance. The Max Bundle adds 200 Phonics Flash Cards for structured practice.
- Can Scanmarker be written into an IEP or 504 plan?
- Yes. Exam-lock mode restricts the pen to read-aloud only — no translation or internet — meeting most state and district standardized-test accommodation requirements. See our guide on writing reading-pen use into an IEP or 504 plan for exact accommodation language.
- Does Scanmarker teach phonics, or just read text aloud?
- Both. The phonics module displays phonetic pronunciation and lets a student tap any phoneme to hear it in isolation — the same breakdown a reading specialist uses one-on-one — while instant read-aloud gives full-text access to any printed page in under a second.
- Is Scanmarker Max or PAL better for younger students?
- PAL is the better fit for K-5 early and struggling readers on a tighter budget. Max and the Max Bundle are recommended for IEP/504 students who need the full phonics module and exam-lock mode.
Keep reading
Guides for dyslexia support
Ready to support your students?
Book a demo with our AT specialist or order today — ClassWallet accepted.