Product Features

  ^{Read & Write 7 Gold}

Read&Write (v7) GOLD is the ‘one stop solution’ for reading and writing needs, bringing comprehensive literacy support through a unique set of support features for whom English is not their first language (ESL).

 Users are likely to find it easier to learn English when using this system as the words can be read and spoken simultaneously. This again acts as a reinforcement measure as the User develops their understanding of the spelling of the words, while also learning how the words are spoken.

 Read&Write (v7) GOLD allows Users to work in a truly inclusive environment using standard Windows applications. This mainstream compatibility means there is no need to learn a whole new way of creating and editing text, as Read&Write (v7) GOLD works seamlessly within Windows applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel.

Read&Write (v7) GOLD will also read PDF documents!

Read&Write (v7) GOLD is a simple to use toolbar that “floats” on top of any open application.

Assistance can then easily be called upon as the User works.

 16 Golden Features are: -

  ^{Read & Write 7 Gold Speech}

With Read&Write (v7) GOLD text can be read back by each word, sentence, paragraph, selected text or spoken as the User types.

Read&Write (v7) GOLD is compatible with Microsoft SAPI 4 and 5 speech technology and comes with a choice of 34 different voices including British and American accents. The voices can be adjusted to suit the individual requirements of the User by altering the pitch, speed, volume and/or word pause.

RealSpeak® provides the most human-sounding voice available today. Words can also be highlighted as they are spoken for audio-visual reinforcement, increasing word recognition levels. Screen reading of on-screen text, menus and icons is also included.

* * Read&Write (v7) GOLD includes daisy reading technology, allowing Users to access and read daisy books while working within the program. * *

Fig 1: Read&Write (v7) GOLD Speech

How is this useful?

Users with literacy difficulties are likely to suffer major problems when reading the written word. Read&Write (v7) GOLD goes some way to enabling inclusive education, as every piece of text can be speech enabled.

The result of this is that Users do not have to struggle to comprehend written information as they can have the text played back to them in an audio format.

This feature therefore enables Users to work more efficiently as they do not need to spend large amounts of time trying to read the text.

Allowing a struggling student to listen to text spoken aloud as they read is an example of how speech feedback can be of assistance. In this case the User would be able to develop their learning and understanding of the words through audio-visual reinforcement.

The speech facility can also be used by people for whom English is not their first language (ESL). Users are likely to find it easier to learn English when using this system as the words can be read and spoken simultaneously. This again acts as a reinforcement measure as the User develops their understanding of the spelling of the words, while also learning how the words are spoken.

  ^{Read & Write 7 Gold Spell Check}

Read&Write (v7) GOLD has an advanced phonetic spellchecker to analyze and correct spellings.

The User can choose to spell check as they type or check their completed work. Any spelling mistake will be identified and the Spellchecker window will provide a list of suggested corrections with the meanings of each to aid the correct choice.

Color coded identification of errors helps the User to identify their mistakes.

The phonetic spell checker assists the User in correcting the most complex of errors.

This product provides literacy support for the learning disabled community as all spelling suggestions and dictionary definitions can be spoken. An error log gives the educator the opportunity to monitor an individual User’s progress.

Specialized dictionaries are also included.

The latest spellchecking facility provided by Read&Write (v7) GOLD has an improved ability to suggest the word a User is looking for. This improvement in the probability of suggested words is likely to further assist the User in their aim to produce a high standard of work.

Fig 1: Read&Write (v7) GOLD Spelling

How is this useful?

The spellchecking facility provided by mainstream word processors such as Microsoft Word do not fully meet the needs of Users with literacy or learning difficulties.

The phonetic spellchecker in Read&Write (v7) GOLD provides such Users with the added support they need as the program recognizes their unique spelling patterns and makes suggestions accordingly. The result of this is a higher level of relevant suggestions for the User, as the spellchecker is uniquely capable of recognizing the word the User is trying to spell.

The spellchecking facility also provides audio visual definitions of the suggested words, therefore allowing Users to assure themselves that the word they are going to use is correct. This is expected to enable Users to build their vocabulary and confidence.

  ^{Read & Write 7 Gold Homophones}

To eliminate the confusion of like sounding words (homophones) Read&Write (v7) GOLD provides color coding of confusable words and lists possible alternatives with audible definitions and sample sentences.

Read&Write (v7) GOLD has an improved homophone database with the option to select from basic or advanced homophone suggestions, further enhancing the suggestions relevance to the User.

1400 homophones are listed in the Read&Write (v7) GOLD homophone database.

The Same Sounding Words Panel shows the list of words that can be confused and a definition for each to help the User find the right word everytime.

By identifying and providing audible definitions of homophones, Read&Write (v7) GOLD software ensures that each User identifies the correct word in the correct context.

Fig:1 Read&Write (v7) GOLD Homophone Support

How is this useful?

Understanding the differences between homophones can be incredibly difficult for Users with disabilities such as dyslexia. This all inclusive educational software package allows the User to work efficiently, safe in the knowledge that the homophones they are using are contextually accurate.

Highlighting the homophones in blue further reinforces the presence of homophones for the User and enables them to develop their understanding of such words. Highlighting homophones is expected to increase the level of grammatical accuracy in the Users text and therefore will facilitate a higher standard of work.

This can be highlighted in the understanding of words such as were, where and wear. A dyslexic User will understand the differences between the meanings of the words, however they may struggle to comprehend the various spellings.

With the support provided in Read&Write (v7) GOLD the User is able to understand the correct spellings due to the audio definitions for each word and the link to the dictionary that provides sample sentences.

    ^{Read & Write 7 Gold Word Prediction}

This all inclusive educational software enables the User to develop their writing skills by providing the tools to construct sentences with ease.

The Read&Write (v7) GOLD Word Predictor learns the Users style of writing and predicts the word they want to use next. It also incorporates a prediction database based on a 100 million-word corpus.

As the User types, a list of suggestions will appear in the Prediction Panel.

The Word Prediction feature of Read&Write (v7) GOLD has seen great improvements in speed of processing and suggestion accuracy in comparison with previous versions.

Read&Write (v7) GOLD now enables Users to select from one of thirty two context specific prediction files, such as Arts, Beliefs and Books. This further enhances the relevance of the suggestions made for the User.

Users can also edit the contents of their custom dictionary and can edit the prediction suggestions to better suit their requirements.

Indicators beside each word show context accuracy. This means Users will be less likely to make a grammatical error so increasing the quality of their work.

Fig 1: Read&Write (v7) GOLD Word Prediction

How is this useful?

Providing Users with word suggestions as they write helps them to complete their work with greater efficiency and accuracy.

Word predictions ensures that Users do not become lost for words, or ‘stuck’ in the middle of the sentence.

The feature can be particularly advantageous for Users who have a small vocabulary, or for foreign language speakers, as definitions of the words can be spoken directly from the dictionary.

Being able to confirm the meaning of the word through speech ensures that each User can develop their use of the language and can therefore be confident that the words they are using are correct.

  ^{Read & Write 7 Gold Web Highlighting}

The new Web highlighting feature of Read&Write (v7) GOLD allows the User to experience dual color highlighting with audible feedback in HTML documents.

This is of particular use for Users with literacy difficulties when accessing information online and also aids the Users concentration and comprehension. This feature can be used as part of workplace accomodations initiatives.

Fig 1: Read&Write (v7) GOLD Web Highlighting

How is this useful?

Given the level of importance given to the internet in the modern world, it is vital that people of all abilities are able to access and utilize information contained online.

The internet has become one of the most popular channels for completing tasks such as recruitment, communications and research. Through the use of this program every User is capable of taking advantage of all of the opportunities the Internet offers, by transferring the text to an audio format.

To put it simply, web highlighting makes the web talk.

  ^{Read & Write 7 Gold Daisy Reader}

The DAISY Standard for Digital Accessible Documents is an open worldwide specification that revolutionizes the reading experience for people who are blind or print disabled.

This reading and writing software contains Daisy Reading technology and allows Users to read their Daisy Books while working within the Read&Write program.

An added feature incorporated in the Daisy Reader is a dual color highlighting option. Dual color highlighting allows Users with disabilities such as dyslexia to enjoy their reading experience in a format and style they are comfortable with.

Fig1: Daisy Reader.

  ^{Read & Write 7 Gold Dictionary}

180,000 words are provided with alternative suggestions in the Read&Write (v7) GOLD dictionary, thus developing the User’s creative writing skills.

Each word in the dictionary has a description and sample sentence, all of which can be spoken.

Read&Write (v7) GOLD now includes the Collins Dictionary and new setting options enabling the User to choose simple or advanced definitions of words, allowing even higher levels of understanding for Users of all ages.

This further increases the capacity of understanding for students and increases the products ability to be tailored to the needs of individual Users.

fig 1: Read&Write (v7) GOLD Dictionary

How is this useful?

Providing Users with sample sentences allows them to be sure that the word they are using is correct. This gives the User confidence to expand their vocabulary and develop their writing style.

Being able to choose between a basic or advanced dictionary ensures each individual User has the support they need in a format they are comfortable with. This is of particular advantage in schools as the differing levels of ability and age will result in quite different requirements amongst the User population.

The definition and sample sentences can be of benefit to ESL (English as a second language) Users as they are able to hear the word, its definition and how it could be used in conversation. These features assist the learning process as they provide unparalleled support and reinforcement for the User.

  ^{Read & Write 7 Gold Word Wizard}

The Read&Write (v7) GOLD Word Wizard acts as a thesaurus for those times when a User is “lost for words”. It takes Users from the word they know to the word they want.

The word wizard provides a great choice of alternative words and provides a list of linking words. Each of the descriptions and sample sentences can be read by Read&Write (v7) GOLD to help the User find the word they want to use.

This feature increases vocabulary, understanding and efficiency.

Fig 1: Read&Write (v7) GOLD Word Wizard

How is this useful?

This reading and writing software provides Users who suffer from literacy difficulties with an interactive thesaurus allows them to develop and build their vocabulary every time they use the program.

A User who utilizes the word wizard will see their vocabulary grow and will be able to produce reports or documents safe in the knowledge that the words they are using are contextually accurate.

The development of the Users vocabulary will result in an increased confidence in their own ability to select and use words effectively. This is likely to result in a higher standard of work by the User.

  ^{Read & Write 7 Gold Scanning}

With Read&Write (v7) GOLD it is possible to scan ANY text document or saved image into MS Word, HTML, MS Excel or PDF format.

Once scanned the text may be read aloud in any one of 5 display/audible methods ensuring the User has the perfect listening and learning experience.

Once text and graphics are scanned the User may edit the document. This is ideal for scanning ests to be used with the program, as the User can add their answers safe in the knowledge that they understand what is being asked of them and that their spelling is correct.

Text and images may also be scanned into Internet Explorer allowing the User to apply “style sheets” so that regardless of the original document scanned, the software will display their preferred style with colors, font type and font size.

Fig 1: Read&Write (v7) GOLD Scanning

How is this useful?

Being able to scan any document into the program helps those with literacy difficulties by transferring information into a format they are comfortable with.

This feature is of great assistance to Users who suffer from literacy difficulties as they are able to decipher information that would have otherwise been inaccessible to them. The information is made accessible through the use of features such as dual color highlighting and speech feedback.

The scanning feature can be used in any number of ways, for example a User could scan an article from a magazine or text book into the program and download it to formats such as PDF or HTML. Once this is completed the document becomes accessible through the utilization of other features of Read&Write (v7) GOLD such as the speech feedback option.

  ^{Read & Write 7 Gold Teachers Toolkit}

Read & Write 7 Gold Teachers Toolkit

Preparing for exams?

Creating User profiles?

Reviewing students activity?

An Educator can control which features of the assistive technology software a student has access to.

A simple to use interface allows the creation of profiles which can be applied to an individual or group of students. A typical example would be the creation of an “exam” profile which would restrict the functionality of the software during an exam.

With more and more impetus for providing support within the exam or assessment environment, the toolbar provides a new resource for choosing which features are active in the program whilst still allowing the students to have reading and writing support.

The toolkit can also be used to add new definitions of words to the dictionary or to add new predictions settings, this gives the teacher further ability in ensuring that the definitions and suggestions are understood by and relevant to the student.

The tool kit can only be accessed by an authorized User.

Teachers can customize ‘Feature Sets’ which enable them to switch ‘on’ or ‘off’ any of the features of the program.

Various features may be seen as providing an advantage within an exam or an assessment. By having the ability to switch off any ‘advantageous’ features, the student can still be independent whilst taking the assessment, reducing the stigma that is often attached with having a ‘human’ reader.

In order to provide even further support for the teacher, Read&Write GOLD (v7) includes a spelling error log and an activity log which can be accessed only by the teacher. The spelling log provides a list of recent corrections that the student has made, whist the activity log lists information such as duration the program was used, number of words typed, number of errors, percentage of errors and any new words that have been learned. This is used to re-test students, to create lesson plans, to assess usage of software and by the Principal of the school to show students’ progress.

Fig 1: Read&Write (v7) GOLD Teachers Toolkit

  ^{Read & Write 7 Gold Calculator}

Read & Write 7 Gold Calculator

Read&Write (v7) GOLD, the dyslexia support software, has an easy to use Simple and Scientific Calculator.

The calculator provides Users with the most common functions associated with a Simple or Scientific Calculator and also provides an audit trail so that each User can see their calculations as they go.

The calculator in Read&Write (v7) GOLD is capable of evaluating equations within the document the User is working in and can also complete conversions of time, distance etc.

fig. 1: Read&Write (v7) GOLD calculator

How is this useful?

Having access to a calculator from within the program further highlights the comprehensive nature of Read&Write (v7) GOLD’s literacy support.

The calculator is of great assistance to Users who suffer from disabilities such as dyscalcula or dyslexia as the speech enablement of equations and the dual color highlighting of the text makes the mathematical sums easier to read and understand.

The ability to complete equations from within the document a User is working in further increases the speed at which they can work, while ensuring that levels of accuracy are kept at a high level.

  ^{Read & Write 7 Gold Speech Maker}

Read & Write 7 Gold Speech Maker

With Read&Write (v7) GOLD Users can convert text to MP3, WMA or WAV files and listen to text “on the move” with portable personal devices.

Ideal for revising work at the end of the day on the way home from school, college or work. The play back voice can be adjusted to suit the individual’s needs. This helps to overcome learning difficulties by making the Users experience as comfortable as possible.

The audible text in Read&Write (v7) GOLD can be saved directly to the Users media player.

Fig 1: Read&Write (v7) GOLD Speech Maker

How is this useful?

Being able to listen to information instead of having to read can helps those with learning difficulties.

The speech maker can be used in any number of ways. For example Users could convert text from a novel or magazine to listen to when relaxing or studying, or they could even convert a script to audio format to help them learn their lines for a school play or amateur production.

  ^{Read & Write 7 Gold Pronunciation}

Read & Write 7 Gold Pronunciation

The pronunciation tutor in Read&Write (v7) GOLD will break words into syllables allowing easy recognition of syllables in a word.

An on-screen moving mouth will assist in the development of more accurate speech.

Pronunciation is enhanced by use of the International Phonetic Alphabet.

The pronunciation tutor can also be of particular advantage to ESL (English as a second language) Users as it highlights the pronunciation of a given word in a visual format.

Fig 1: Read&Write (v7) GOLD Pronunciation

How is this useful?

Learning to speak a new language is no easy task. The added assistance provided by the pronunciation tutor means that foreign language or ESL (English as a second language) Users can learn English that is spoken without colloquial bias. The phonetic description is particularly useful in this instance, as it shows the User how the word is spoken in a clear and internationally understandable manner.

Children who are struggling to learn how to talk correctly can use the pronunciation tutor as part of their learning process. For example the moving mouth and phonetic information will help a Child who is struggling to pronounce certain words or letters to develop their understanding of the pronunciation and could therefore help to improve their speech.

  ^{Read & Write 7 Gold Clipboard History}

Read & Write 7 Gold Clipboard History

The Clipboard History feature of Read&Write (v7) GOLD allows the User to store any item they have viewed in their clipboard for use at a later time. The clipboard stores the last ten pieces of information accessed by the User in a visible list for easy retrieval.

Fig1: Clipboard History

How is this useful?

The clipboard history feature stores information for easy retrieval. This means that Users can store information in the clipboard and then access the information as and when they need it.

This feature of the assistive technology software is of great value to a User with literacy difficulties as they are able to access all of the information they require in an efficient and organized manner.

  ^{Read & Write 7 Gold Fact Folder}

Read & Write 7 Gold Fact Folder

The Fact Folder in Read&Write (v7) GOLD has been completely redeveloped from previous versions and now provides an unparalleled study or research tool for organizing thoughts and ideas.

The Fact Folder helps those with literacy difficulties by capturing text from ANY application (including Internet browsers), classify it, attach pictures, bibliography information and record its source. When research is complete the User can convert facts to a text document at the click of a button, download the text to PDA, convert to HTML or turn the text into a slide show – truly excellent for revision.

Fig 1: Read&Write (v7) GOLD Fact Folder

How is this useful?

Having the ability to compile information on any topic allows Users to organize their work efficiently. This makes it easier for a User to complete a school project or business report as all the information they require is at hand.

Presentations can be developed for use in revision or in preparation for an important meeting. The User can then transfer the information to a format and color setting they are comfortable with, ensuring they maximize their understanding of the data.

The ability to download the finished folders to a PDA enables Users to bring their information wherever they go. This means that Users can (for example) prepare a folder and transfer it to their PDA, then use the data (which can be dual color highlighted) to successfully carry out a presentation or speech.

  ^{Read & Write 7 Gold Fact Finder}

Read & Write 7 Gold Fact Finder

The Read&Write (v7) GOLD Fact Finder is a web search tool that performs a search on a selected word through a default search engine.

This desk search tool is a quick and easy way of conducting research or gathering information for reports and essays.

Read&Write (v7) GOLD now has the option for the User to add their own choice of websites to search through, making the Fact Finder an even simpler way of gathering information on a given subject.

Fig 1: Read&Write (v7) GOLD Fact Finder

How is this useful?

If you have Dyslexia or other related literacy difficulties, it can be very hard to read or find information on the Internet. Many times a Dyslexia sufferer will fail in their search for information due to their unique spelling patterns.

Using the fact finder allows such Users to search the internet safe in the knowledge that their spelling is correct. Internet searches through portals such as Yahoo or Google can be completed directly from Microsoft Word, allowing the User to be sure that they have the right spelling before they search.

This feature makes the fact finder a unique tool for people with literacy difficulties and enables them to fully harness the power of the Internet, providing an excellant solution for workplace accommodations.

  ^{Read & Write 7 Gold System Requirements}

Read & Write 7 Gold System Requirements

The following are the minimum requirements needed to operate Read&Write (v7) GOLD literacy software:

• Pentium 350MHz Processor
• Windows 98, 2000, XP, ME or NT4
• Internet Explorer 6 or later (available on the Installation CD)
• 128 MB RAM (256MB recommended)
• 400 MB Free Disk Space
• CD ROM drive
• Sound Card and Speakers

Ordering Information:-

ASIA SOLE DISTRIBUTOR:

          TeL: 6 03 7957 1806

Fax: 6 03 7957 1807

           Email:  info@infospec.com.my