C-Pen Reader Pens for Literacy and Learning Support
Reader pens scan printed text and read it aloud instantly - no phone, tablet, or internet connection needed. Just glide the pen across any line of text and hear it spoken in natural-sounding speech.
If you support a child with dyslexia, a student with a reading or language processing difference, or anyone who benefits from hearing text read back while they follow along, a C-Pen reader pen gives them access to printed information independently.
Assistive Tech is an NDIS Registered Provider stocking the full C-Pen range - the C-Pen Reader 3, C-Pen Reader 2, and C-Pen Exam Reader 2 - with Australian support and NDIS ordering available.
C-Pen Reader 3 - The Most Advanced Reader Pen for Learning
The C-Pen Reader 3 is the most feature-rich reader pen in the C-Pen range, built for students and readers who want more than just text-to-speech. Scan any line of printed text and hear it read back instantly - with built-in dictionary lookup, word translation, and Bluetooth connectivity to send scanned text directly to a phone or tablet.
Ideal for students with dyslexia, reading differences, or language processing challenges who need daily independent literacy support at school, at home, or on the go.
Best for: Students and learners who want full-featured reading support with dictionary, translation, and device connectivity.
C-Pen Reader 2 - Simple, Reliable Reading Support for Every Day
The C-Pen Reader 2 delivers fast, accurate text-to-speech in a streamlined design u scan a line of text and hear it instantly. No setup, no internet, no complications.
It's the right choice if you want dependable reading support for homework, reading practice, or independent access to printed materials, without the additional features of the Reader 3.
Best for: Students and adults who want straightforward, no-fuss daily reading support at home or during study.
C-Pen Exam Reader 2 - Approved for NAPLAN, ATAR and School Exams
The C-Pen Exam Reader 2 is purpose-built for students with an approved assistive technology accommodation in formal exams. It provides text-to-speech reading support while disabling dictionary, translation, and Bluetooth features that aren't permitted in assessment environments.
Accepted in NAPLAN, ATAR, and most Australian school exams where a reading pen accommodation has been approved - so your student gets the same independent reading support in the exam room that they rely on every day.
Best for: Students with an approved AT accommodation for formal exams, standardised testing, and school assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a reader pen?
What is a reader pen?
A reader pen is a handheld assistive technology device that scans printed text and reads it aloud using built-in text-to-speech technology. Users glide the pen across any line of printed text and hear the words spoken aloud instantly - no phone, tablet, internet connection, or computer required.
Reader pens are designed for people who experience difficulty reading printed text independently, including students and adults with dyslexia, reading differences, language processing challenges, or visual fatigue. They are widely used in schools, at home, during study, and in formal exams where an assistive technology accommodation has been approved.
The most commonly used reader pens in Australia are the C-Pen Reader 3, C-Pen Reader 2, and C-Pen Exam Reader 2. Assistive Tech is an NDIS Registered Provider stocking the full C-Pen range at assistivetech.com.au.
Who can benefit from using a reader pen?
Who can benefit from using a reader pen?
Reader pens benefit children and adults who experience difficulty reading printed text independently. They are most commonly recommended for students and adults with dyslexia, reading differences, learning disabilities, language processing challenges, or visual fatigue u and for anyone who reads more accurately and confidently when they can hear the text aloud at the same time.
They are used in primary and secondary schools, universities, at home, and in formal exam settings where an assistive technology accommodation has been approved. Occupational therapists, special education teachers, and speech pathologists regularly recommend reader pens as part of a literacy support plan.
Which C-Pen reader pen is right for my child - Reader 3 or Reader 2?
Which C-Pen reader pen is right for my child - Reader 3 or Reader 2?
Both the C-Pen Reader 3 and C-Pen Reader 2 scan printed text and read it aloud using text-to-speech technology, but they differ in features and best use case.
The C-Pen Reader 3 is the more advanced model. In addition to text-to-speech, it includes a built-in dictionary, word translation, and Bluetooth connectivity to send scanned text to a phone, tablet, or computer. It's the best choice for students and learners who want independent reading support with additional vocabulary and comprehension tools.
The C-Pen Reader 2 is a more focused device - reliable text-to-speech without the additional features. It's the right choice for students who want simple, consistent daily reading support for homework, study, and accessing printed materials at home.
Neither model is approved for formal exams. For exam use, the C-Pen Exam Reader 2 is the correct model.
Can my child use their C-Pen Reader in exams, or do they need a different pen?
Can my child use their C-Pen Reader in exams, or do they need a different pen?
No - standard C-Pen reader pens cannot be used in formal exams. The C-Pen Reader 3 and C-Pen Reader 2 include features like dictionary lookup, word translation, and Bluetooth connectivity that are not permitted in exam environments.
For formal exams, your child needs the C-Pen Exam Reader 2, which is purpose-built for assessment settings. It provides text-to-speech reading support only, with all non-permitted features disabled - making it acceptable for use in NAPLAN, ATAR, and most Australian school exams where an assistive technology accommodation has been approved.
Your child's school learning support team can advise on how to apply for an assistive technology accommodation if one isn't already in place.
Does my child need one reader pen or two - one for school and one for exams?
Does my child need one reader pen or two - one for school and one for exams?
Most students will need two reader pens - one for everyday use and one specifically for exams.
For daily school and home use, the C-Pen Reader 3 or C-Pen Reader 2 are the right choice. They provide full reading support including dictionary, translation, and in the case of the Reader 3, Bluetooth connectivity.
For formal exams - NAPLAN, ATAR, and school assessments - the C-Pen Exam Reader 2 is required. It has the same core text-to-speech function but with features disabled to meet exam authority requirements. Bringing a standard reader pen into an exam, even one used daily, is not permitted.
Some schools may have Exam Readers available - check before purchasing for one-time use.
If your child has an approved assistive technology accommodation, Assistive Tech can help you purchase both models if your school doesn't have an Exam Reader available. Visit assistivetech.com.au or call 1300 088 222.
Do C-Pen reader pens work without Wi-Fi or internet?
Do C-Pen reader pens work without Wi-Fi or internet?
Yes. C-Pen reader pens - including the C-Pen Reader 3, C-Pen Reader 2, and C-Pen Exam Reader 2 - operate fully offline. No Wi-Fi, mobile data, or internet connection is required for the core text-to-speech function.
This is a key practical advantage over app-based reading tools on phones or tablets. The pen works anywhere printed text appears - in classrooms, libraries, exam halls, or at home - with no dependency on network access, device compatibility, or screen time. It is ready to use the moment you glide it over a line of text.
Can C-Pen reader pens be funded through the NDIS?
Can C-Pen reader pens be funded through the NDIS?
Yes. C-Pen reader pens are eligible for NDIS funding for participants whose plan includes Low Cost Assistive Technology supports. Reader pens are most commonly funded under Low Cost Assistive Technology, linked to functional goals around literacy, independent learning, communication, or daily living.
Assistive Tech is an NDIS Registered Provider. We supply the C-Pen Reader 3, C-Pen Reader 2, and C-Pen Exam Reader 2 to NDIS participants across Australia, and can provide product information, quotes, and NDIS-compliant invoicing to support the purchase process.
To place an NDIS order or discuss funding options, visit assistivetech.com.au/pages/ndis-ordering, call 1300 088 222, or email support@assistivetech.com.au.