Speech-to-text (STT) is technology that converts spoken words into written text, allowing students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, or motor difficulties to write by speaking rather than typing or handwriting.
What is Speech-to-Text?
Speech-to-text (STT), also called dictation or voice-to-text, is technology that transcribes spoken language into written words. Using a microphone, the software captures speech, processes it through AI algorithms, and outputs text that appears on screen. For students with learning differences, STT removes the mechanical barrier between thinking and writing—children can express ideas fluently without struggling with spelling, handwriting, or typing. Modern STT is built into most devices: Google Docs Voice Typing, Apple Dictation, and Windows Voice Access are all free, while premium tools like Dragon NaturallySpeaking offer enhanced accuracy for serious use.
Key Takeaways
- Converts spoken words to written text in real-time
- Helps students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and motor difficulties
- Available free on most devices through built-in dictation features
- Works best in quiet environments with clear speech
- Functions as an accommodation, not a replacement for writing instruction
How STT Helps Struggling Writers
For students with dyslexia, spelling becomes invisible—the software handles converting sounds to letters, allowing focus on ideas and organization. Students with dysgraphia bypass handwriting struggles entirely, often transforming from reluctant writers to enthusiastic ones. Those with motor difficulties or fatigue can write at length without physical strain. Children frequently produce more sophisticated work when dictating because they're not constrained by the mechanics of writing. The technology essentially separates the creative act of composition from the physical act of transcription, letting each be addressed appropriately.
Available Tools
Getting Started
Begin with free, built-in tools before investing in premium software. Have your child practice in short sessions, speaking clearly and learning voice commands for punctuation ('period,' 'comma,' 'new paragraph'). Most students adapt within days to weeks. Start with low-pressure writing—journal entries, brainstorming, or informal assignments—before using STT for graded work. Quiet environments significantly improve accuracy; background noise confuses the software. Accept that output requires editing; STT produces drafts, not polished text. The goal is removing barriers to getting ideas down, not eliminating the revision process.
Combining With Other Accommodations
STT pairs powerfully with text-to-speech (TTS), creating a complete assistive writing workflow. Students dictate their writing (STT), then have the computer read it back aloud (TTS) for proofreading. This multi-sensory approach catches errors that visual proofreading might miss. Many students with learning differences benefit from both technologies simultaneously. If your child has an IEP or formal education plan, document STT as an approved accommodation—this establishes the right to use dictation on standardized tests and in future educational settings.
The Bottom Line
Speech-to-text technology offers a practical, widely available accommodation for students whose learning differences create barriers to written expression. By separating the act of composing from the mechanics of transcription, STT allows struggling writers to demonstrate their knowledge and creativity without being limited by spelling, handwriting, or typing challenges. The technology has become remarkably accessible—free options built into everyday devices work well for most students. For homeschool families supporting children with dyslexia, dysgraphia, or motor difficulties, introducing STT can transform writing from a source of frustration into a manageable, even enjoyable, activity.
