Disability Resources

Read/Write Software

Read&Write family of literacy software makes the web, documents and files more accessible - any time, any place, and on any platform or device. It's great for people with dyslexia and other learning difficulties, or anyone whose first language isn't English.

Below are installation instructions:

Read/Write Tutorial

Directions

Click on the Help icon to be directed to the Read&Write online help website, there you will find directions on how to use the Read&Write features. There are also video tutorials for most of the features, to access these, simply click on the drop down menu on the icon of the feature you are using. To access a list of all the videos, click on the Read&Write drop down menu, then All Videos Tours, choose the video you would like to watch.

Toolbar

The Toolbar can be docked to the top or sides of the screen or you can leave it “floating” anywhere on the screen. To undock the toolbar, click on the anchor icon. There are six toolbars, to change between them click on the down arrow beside the Read&Write icon. Hover the cursor on Current Toolbar, choose the toolbar you would like to use and click on it. You can also click on the Read&Write icon to change between toolbars. The appearance of the tool bar can be changed by clicking on General Option. Any feature can be turned on or off the current toolbar; this will display only the tools you will be using. The style and size of the icons can also be changed, the name of the icons can be displayed and the color of the toolbar can be changed.

Word Wizard

Highlight the word you want to look up. Click on the Word Wizard, click next, choose the part of speech, and click next. Then select the synonym and meaning that corresponds to the word you were searching and click next. Select the advanced search button on the type of search you want then click next. Click on the word that you would like to use and click change. The word will be replaced in your document.

Word Prediction

Indicators:

   Green Circle – most likely to be the correct word

   Orange Square – possible choice

   Black Triangle – least likely to be the correct word

Word Prediction can create a word bank based on your writing style. Highlight the text you want to use to create a prediction file and select copy. The text is now on the clipboard. Click on the Prediction drop down menu and select Create Prediction Word Bank from the clipboard. Enter a name and description for the file and click ok. The file will be in the Context tab. More word banks can be downloaded by choosing Download Prediction Word Bank from the Prediction drop down menu. There will be a list of prediction files with a category and description, select the file you want to use and click download.

Dictionary

Highlight the word you want to look up then click on the Dictionary icon. You will have choice between Advanced, Basic, or Web definitions; you will also be able to choose the part of speech. You do not always have to highlight the word; you can click on the Dictionary and type the word into the search bar. After you have clicked on search, choose the definition you want. Corresponding words will appear in the right-hand box. If you wish to replace the word in your document, click on a word from the box and then click change.

Sounds Like and Confusable words

This feature highlights homophones and words that are easily confused. It will also give definitions for each suggestion.

PDF Aloud

Text-to speech for accessible unlocked PDFs. This feature allows for interaction with other tools including Dictionary, Picture Dictionary, High lithers, Vocabulary List Builder, and Paragraph Translator. PDF Aloud can be accessed by clicking on the PDF icon in the toolbar. A search box is displayed, which allows you to locate and open a PDF file. Choose the PDF file you want and click open. PDF Aloud will read aloud the test in the document.

Screenshot Reader

• Reads any text on a website or document
• Customize options are available, these include;
• Capture by drawing a rectangle –click and hold the cursor down at the corner of the text and drag and drop the rectangle around the text.
• Capture by hovering over the text – hover the cursor over a window then click.
• Capture by drawing freehand – hold down the cursor and draw around the text
• Customize the settings

Vocabulary

Using the cursor highlight the words you would like and choose a Highlighter icon and click on it. After all the words have been highlighted click on the Vocabulary icon. The Vocabulary box will appear, you will then have the option to add words to the list and give the list a subject or title, and pictures may be included. After the list has been created click OK. The list will be in a Word document; there will be a place to add notes. The list can be saved, emailed, or printed.

Speech Maker

Choose the text you would like to convert into a sound file, highlight it using the cursor and click on the Speech Maker icon. The Speech Maker window will open with the chosen text displayed, you can add to the text by typing in the window, then click Next. You can then choose a different voice and adjust the Pitch, Speed, and Volume. You will be able to test what it sounds like by clicking Test Voice. When you are satisfied with the voice click Next. Click on Browse to choose a destination for the file and name the file, then click Save. You can then choose the audio format, after you make your selection click Create. Your text has now been converted to an audio file it can be transferred to any audio device. You can use Create File from Last Saved Settings from the Speech Maker drop down menu to create other audio files using the same settings as your previous audio file.

Screen Masking

Screen Masking allows you to “mask” out areas of your screen and change the Windows system background color. This enables you to focus in the text you are reading. Click on the Screen Masking drop down menu and select Screen Masking Options. You can choose the masking type, color, transparency, and thickness of the line. You can also choose the settings for spotlighting the cursor when the entire screen is masked. Masking the entire screen will cover the whole computer screen, depending on the color you choose; this can make it difficult to see the screen.

Scan

The scanning feature allows paper based text to be imported into the software. Other features of Read&Write can then be used with the text. Select the required format from the Scan drop down menu. Then click on the Scan icon, you can name the document and choose where it should be saved. Scanning the document into Word will give you the ability to edit the text. You can also customize how the text will look in the scanning settings by clicking on the Scanning Options in the Scan drop down menu.

Pronounce

Click on Pronounce, type in the word you wish to hear pronounced. You can chose the voice from the Available Voice option. You can also customize the word color and have the option to use the lips for pronunciation.

Rewind,Play,Pause,Forward,Stop

Use these features anytime you use the read aloud option

Word Cloud

Using an internet browser window and a website of your choice, highlight the text, you want to create the word cloud. You must have a good amount of words in order for Word Cloud to work to its full potential. Select the text and click on the Word Cloud icon. The text you choose will appear in the Use My Own Text tab. Click Create, your word cloud has been created, and you will have the option to save this word cloud. The Use Word Bank tab gives you the option to choose a topic and have a word cloud created from an existing word bank. Clicking on Word Options from the drop down menu allows you to customize how the word cloud will look.

Speech Input

The Speech Input allows you to create documents by talking into a microphone. Refer to the Texthelp website for a list of recommended microphones.

Voice Note

Open a Microsoft document, click on a place in the document where you would like to place the Voice Note, and click on the Voice Note icon. When you are ready, click on the Start Recording button and speak clearly into the microphone. When you are finished click Stop Recording, can replay the voice not by clicking on Replay. Click on insert to put the Voice Note into the document, you will see a speaker icon in the document, double click on the icon to listen to your voice note. The voice note can be saved separate from the Word document by clicking on Save in the Voice Note window.

Translator

The Single Word window translates only to Spanish, French, German, and Italian. For more language, options click on the Translator drop down menu and select Paragraph Translation then click on Paragraph Translation Options. Select the language you wish to translate from and to. You can also choose the background and foreground colors, font size, ad voice settings, and then click OK. Highlight the word or paragraph then click on the Translator icon, a new window will open with the translation of your text. If there is a speech icon next to the translation, it can be read to you.

Picture Dictionary

Highlight the word from your document or click on the Picture Dictionary icon and type a word in the search bar. Available images will appear in the box. Double click the picture you want and it will appear in your document.

Fact Finder

To search highlight the word or phrase then click on the Fact Finder icon. Google will open with the search results. Google is the default search engine. To choose search options click on the Fact Finder drop down menu, click on options then change default. Select the search engine you want to use the click ok.

Fact Folder

Highlight the text click on the Fact Folder icon. You can customize the title and add a description.

• Title – Enter a name for the item
• Date – Enter today’s date. The current date is displayed by default. Click on the drop down list to use the calendar to select a different dat.
• Author – Enter the name of the author of the item.
• Sources – The website address of any web pages you have opened are automatically added to the Source list box. If you captured the item from a different source, you must add the location of the item to the Sources list box. This is important because at some point you may need to refer to the original litem. Select the check boxes of the sources from which the item originated. In order to add a source, you must click on the + button.
• Category – Specify to which category you would like to add the item.
• Description – Enter a statement to help identify the item.

Fact Mapper

When you first access the Fact Mapper, as soon as you attempt to use any of the facilities you will see a message box asking if you want to allow this webpage to access your clipboard. Click on the Allow Access button to enable.

Make sure you save your fact map before closing the Fact Mapper or you will lose your work!

Brainstorming: Click on the Fact Map menu and then click on the Brain Storming icon. A fact is added to the work area. Enter a title for the fact and then press Enter on your keyboard. Another fact is added to the work area and is automatically linked to the first fact. Repeat to add further fact titles. All facts are linked to the first fact.

To add a link between two facts: Click on the fact from which you want to make a link, click on the Add New Link icon. The selected fact is now highlighted, and then click on the fact to which you would like to make the link.

To export a fact map to an HTML web page: Click on the File menu and select the Export option. The Export Facts webpage dialog box is displayed.

Select one of the following options:

• HTML Map Export – to create an HTML version of the Fact Map that can be displayed in any browser. The Document Outline view simply lists the facts in bullet points.
• HTML Tree Export – to create an HTML version of the Tree view, this can be displayed in any browser.
• Word Outline Export – to create an MS Word version, this will list the facts in bullet points. Click on the OK button, the browser window or MS window will launch automatically.

For Safari users on the Apple Mac: When a Word export is performed, the Downloads window will appear listing the Word document. However if the Downloads window has already been started then it will not be brought to the front of the screen, in this case either select Downloads from the window or simply minimize Safari.

Highlighters

Use the highlighters to collect information for creating notes, vocabulary lists, and collecting information. Highlight the text then choose a Highlighter color and click on it. To remove a highlight, highlight the text again then click on the Clear Highlights icon.

Spell Check

There are different options to choose from to spell check a document. Choosing Spell as I Type will indicate a misspelled word as you type. Alternatively, after the document is completed click on the Spell Check icon and it will check over the entire document and then indicate misspelled words. Spell Check can be customized in the settings by clicking on the Spelling Options in the drop down menu.

Verb Checker

Highlight the word you want to check or click the Verb Checker icon and enter the word in the search bar. Click Next and choose the correct tense then click Next. Verb Checker will display different options for you to choose from, select the one you want and click Change. Verb Checker will replace the verb for you.

Sounds Like and Confusable Words

All homophones and confusable words within the text are highlighted.

To deactivate the Homophones facility:

Click on the Hide icon on the tool bar or, click on the Sounds Like and Confusable Words icon drop down list and select Hide Homophones in MS Word.

To use the Homophones:

Click on the Sounds Like an Confusable Words icon on the toolbar. If the document is in MS Word, all homophones and confusable words within the document are highlighted. The Same Sounding Words window will display; you can select a word from the Homophones list box on the left-hand-side of the window. A list of meanings will be available in the Word Meaning list box on the right-hand-side. 

Choose from the following options:

Ignore the word highlighted in the text by clicking on the Ignore button

Always Ignore the word highlighted in the text by clicking on the Always Ignore button

Replace the word in the text with the selected word by clicking on the Replace button

Select the Move to next homophone

Calculator

Click on the Calculator icon to open the calculator. You will have the option to customize the settings and voice features. To choose the type of calculator you wish to use click on the Calculator drop down menu. The different calculators are standard, scientific, or conversion. The conversion feature can convert length, mass, velocity, time, temperature, and volume. To calculate an equation in a document highlight your equation without the equal sign and click on the drop down menu then choose Evaluate in the Document. The answer will be inserted in the document for you.

 

Read&Write  Quick Reference Guide

 

Research Papers

 

Dictionary

Look up different meanings for selected words.

 Dictionary can be configured to display;

Basic Definitions – lists meaning and word inflections

Advanced Definitions – advanced dictionary functions and display synonyms

Web Definitions- each definition gives parts of speech and can be speech-enabled

Sample sentences and descriptions included

 

Picture Dictionary

Online dictionary finds images for each selected word

Insert pictures into Microsoft Word

 

Fact Finder

Search for information on the internet using specific search engines. The search engines are categorized to help you select the one that will provide you with the best results.

Preform internet search on word or topic.

Gives opportunity for quick look up for background information.

 

Fact Folder

The Fact Folder is a desk search tool, which allows you to capture text and graphics from any application and organize them into categories that can aid you with your study.

Electronic index card maker and organizer

Research aid with Source cited

Information can be converted into Microsoft Word

 

Fact Mapper

Online graphic organizing

Brainstorm, revise, outline

Add elements to the screen

Adjust the layout of map elements

Export the Fact Map to Microsoft Word and save the file or the Fact Map

 

Highlighters

Highlighted information is collected by color, collection time, and position in document.

Highlighted information can be exported to a new Word document.

 

Spell Check

Check the spelling in your document. Select options from the drop down menu or select the spell check button. Spell Check allows you to customize and ass to the word list. Ex; names can be added to the word list so the spell check will not indicate an incorrect spelling

 

Writing Papers

 

Dictionary

Look up different meanings for selected words.

 Dictionary can be configured to display;

Basic Definitions – lists meaning and word inflections

Advanced Definitions – advanced dictionary functions and display synonyms

Web Definitions- each definition gives parts of speech and can be speech-enabled

Sample sentences and descriptions included

 

Picture Dictionary

Online dictionary finds images for each selected word

Insert pictures into Microsoft Word

 

Fact Finder

Search for information on the internet using specific search engines. The search engines are categorized to help you select the one that will provide you with the best results.

Preform internet search on word or topic.

Gives opportunity for quick look up for background information.

 

Fact Folder

The Fact Folder is a desk search tool, which allows you to capture text and graphics from any application and organize them into categories that can aid you with your study.

Electronic index card maker and organizer

Research aid with Source cited

Information can be converted into Microsoft Word

 

Fact Mapper

Online graphic organizing

Brainstorm, revise, outline

Add elements to the screen

Adjust the layout of map elements

Export the Fact Map to Microsoft Word and save the file or the Fact Map

 

Verb Checker

Allows you to search for verb conjugations.

Highlight the word you want to check or click the Verb Checker button and then enter the word in the Verb Checker window. If your selected word is not a verb, the Verb Checker makes suggestions for you.

 

Sounds Like and Confusable Words

Highlights homophones and words that are easily confused

Definitions are given for each suggestion

 

Word Wizard

Assists in finding alternate words or phrases to use

Ex; help, the Word Wizard will list words such as: assist, aid facilitate serve

 

Spell Check

Select options from the drop down menu or select the spell check button. Spell Check can check selected words, entire document or as you type. Spell Check allows you to customize and addto the word list; it can also analyze your spelling and be customized to suit your needs.

 

Reading Features

 

PDF Aloud

You can access PDF Aloud by clicking on the PDF icon on the toolbar. A search box is displayed which allows you to locate and open a PDF file. Choose the PDF you want and click open. PDF Aloud will read aloud the text in the document.

 

Screenshot Reader

Reads any text on a website or document

Customize options are available, these include;

Capture by drawing a rectangle

Capture by hovering over the text

Capture by drawing freehand

Customize the settings

 

Creating Vocabulary Study Guide

Vocabulary

Highlight vocabulary words within the text

Click on Vocabulary in the tool bar

The vocabulary list will be compiled in a Word document with definitions and available pictures.

This document can be saved or printed.

 

Alternate Forms of Text (CDs)

PDF Aloud

You can access PDF Aloud by clicking on the PDF icon on the toolbar. A search box is displayed which allows you to locate and open a PDF file. Choose the PDF you want and click open. PDF Aloud will read aloud the text in the document.