People with learning disabilities find that computers can help them by supporting writing and other methods of recording.
Many people with learning disabilities find that the mechanics of writing is a major barrier to them getting their ideas down on paper. The computer and keyboard can be an easier process, allowing them to concentrate on the content rather than the process. The ease with which mistakes can be corrected removes a major worry for some, although others may use this facility too often.
Speech output can be both helpful and motivating. It is especially useful to alert writers to sentence construction and spelling errors.
Speech input may be useful although the need to check the text produced may require good reading skills. It can also be difficult for some to compose their ideas with sufficient clarity to use these systems effectively.
Whole word and phrase input can be provided by on-screen grids, such as Clicker, or by using overlay keyboards. These systems allow writers to select whole words and phrases with a single key press or mouse click.
Symbols and pictures can be used instead of or along with text, providing an alternative to text input for recording purposes. Software such as Writing with Symbols 2000 can give valuable help for those who cannot read text.