These are mostly programs which I used with students and which some or (occasionally) all of them liked using. Click here and then on the program name for details. The shareware programs are widely available on the Web. Prices change so do check with the author/s for the current price. Software suppliers here. 

For a more detailed look at software, visit TEEM (Teachers Evaluating Multimedia). This site provides very structured case studies and evaluation of educational software.  Also, look at the Curriculum Software Project Reports on the Becta site. Or, look at the annual Software Best Practice Surveys from the Fischer Family Trust to see what other schools are using. This is a secondary school survey and does not have a separate special needs category. Also of interest are Education Week's  Technology Counts reports (you may need to register to view them) Technology Counts 2001: The New Divides,  Technology Counts 2002: E-defining education,  Technology Counts 2004 : Global Links and Technology Counts: A Digital Decade.

And if you want to read a quick potted history of educational software, have a look at this wonderful 1999 piece from Marshal Anderson.

Finally, if you spot any factual errors, or links which are out of date, please let me know. Please note these are my personal opinions only!

Discloze from Mike Matson / MAPE / NAACE 
Picture Arithmetic: From Chosen Hill School, Gloucester. Download a copy.
Tell the Time : From Chosen Hill School, Gloucester. Download a copy.
Wordshark 3s  A new set of subject word lists for Key Stage 3 make this even more of a "must have" for secondary as well as primary schools.
Numbershark 4 Excellent must have program for schools from Reception to GCSE! 
Story Teller Marvellous software from Marshall Anderson marketed by Topologika