Powerful enhancements to provide reading and writing support for students on the PC have been included in the new Read&Write Gold by Texthelp, leading developers of literacy support software. Available to download directly from the website www.texthelp.com/UK/our-products/readwrite, the software can make a big difference to the confidence and independence of the 10 per cent of students with dyslexia in the UK.
The new Read&Write Gold is designed to improve reading, writing and aid comprehension of on-screen text. It is an easy to use discreet toolbar positioned above familiar applications such as Word, Adobe Reader and offers support in Google Docs as well as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox browsers.
This latest version includes new features such as Voice Note, which allows students to create and embed recorded voice notes within a Word document and can be used by teachers and students to insert instructions or create audio responses.
The new Word Cloud feature provides 150 subject-specific word banks (a list of words on a particular topic or theme) which can be presented visually, as a list or in a word “cloud” format. This is great for students’ creative writing and provides vocabulary support and help when completing assignments.
New expressive male and female voices have been added to the existing wide range of voices as well as an enhanced Spell Checker that produces more accurate suggestions using collocated words (words that may be grammatically correct when put together but are considered incorrect by English speakers).
Other enhancements include the ability to access the powerful reading, writing and research features of the Read&Write toolbar directly on Chrome and Firefox browsers which is ideal for students researching and working online.
Users also have access to supporting documents and videos on the website and can register their software for online support here – www.texthelp.com/essentials.
Commenting on the literacy software, Sheila Barton, SENCO at Lostock College said, “Read&Write has become a whole school tool and is not just used by SEN staff. The software has promoted the independence of all our students.”
Mark McCusker, CEO of Texthelp said, “Texthelp has been developing assistive technology software for students with learning difficulties since 1996 and its aim has always been to provide inclusive education with the most comprehensive, cutting-edge technology available. Today, over half a million students in the UK use Read&Write Gold and we are proud of the positive difference we are making to school life.”
For information on the new Read&Write Gold, please contact Texthelp on T: +44 (0)28 9442 8105, E:education@texthelp.com .
Notes to editors:
For further press information please contact George White, Livewire Public Relations, T: 020 8339 7440, E: george.white@livewirepr.com
About Texthelp Ltd
Texthelp Ltd is the worldwide leader of literacy software solutions provided through three core business divisions: Education, Speech Services and Publishing. Texthelp has been developing assistive technology software for the learning disabled community since 1996. The aim has always been to provide the most comprehensive, cutting-edge technology available to provide inclusive education.
Based in Antrim, N. Ireland and with offices in the US, Texthelp is currently experiencing a period of sustained year on year growth. The company has a reseller network covering over 20 countries. Texthelp is one of only 3 companies to have been in the Deloitte Fast 50 listing for the whole 13 years that it has been running.
