Using Read&Write to overcome reading and writing challenges

Read&Write is a literacy support toolbar with a range of features to help you when studying. From reading and comprehension help, to tools for writing and research, the toolbar has lots of features to help every student study smarter.

From support when writing essays and assignments to reading course material, conducting research and using the web. The Read&Write toolbar can improve the learning experiences and is often recommended by DSA assessors to support students with a wide range of learning needs.

Here are just some of the ways that the Read&Write toolbar can help if you experience reading and writing difficulties, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or dyscalculia.

Text-to-speech with highlighting

Listen to text being read aloud and track words on screen with dual coloured highlighting. By hearing and seeing words together, it can increase word recognition and improve your auditory reading speed and productivity.

It’s also a really useful tool for proofreading your work. You may be more likely to notice a mistake when you hear it read aloud, in comparison to when you are reading it yourself.

Check It

‘Check It’ is a phonetic spell checker that helps to solve complex spelling and grammar mistakes. This feature could help you to improve the quality and accuracy of your written work before submission.

With the Read&Write for Professionals add-on, it recognises faculty specific words for medical, pharmaceutical, engineers and legal courses. Which may not be recognised by standard spell checkers.

Prediction

The prediction feature allows you to see a list of suggested words as you type. This can save you time when typing out lengthy terms and words used in your course. It can also help you to build your vocabulary to use new words. Giving you the support you need to submit your best work.

Screen masking

If you need your screen colour to be set to a specific prescription, this can be done in Read&Write with the screen masking feature. You can also use a reading ruler, which helps when reading large bodies of text. This could help you focus on smaller paragraphs and help you to read more efficiently.

Dictionaries

Use the built in dictionary to find out the definition of any word you are reading, right within the document you are in. This saves you switching to a different tab or window on your computer, keeping your focus on the task at hand. You can also hear the word read aloud. Read&Write also has a picture dictionary, that shows a word visually to help with memory recall.

Highlights

The highlights feature can help you to organise your notes and research. Use the four coloured highlighters to pull out key text that you’re reading on screen. Then click ‘collect highlights’ to create a condensed version of the notes you’ve highlighted. It will even create a bibliography with references to each source.

Scan

If you’re ever given inaccessible course materials, you can use the scan feature of Read&Write to quickly change them to accessible documents. Once you’ve done this, you can use the features within Read&Write to continue working in your normal way.

Talk&Type

If you prefer to dictate rather than type assignments, the Talk&Type feature in Read&Write can help you. It helps you to create error-free documents verbally through Talk&Type.

Audio maker

Reading course material can be time consuming and stressful, especially if you find reading challenging. If you’re an auditory learner, you may prefer to hear content rather than read it. With the audio maker feature, you can convert text into an MP3 format. Giving you the option to listen to course material on the go.

Vocabulary list

If you come across terms as part of your course that you know you’ll have to remember in the future, try using the vocabulary list feature in Read&Write. You can create your own word lists which can really help with memory recall, ideal for revision!

Similar word checker

Easily identify homophone errors with Read&Write’s similar word checker. As some words sound the same, it will help check that the words you use in assignments are used in the correct way.

Research folder

This helps you to collect all your notes in one place and organise them for easy access in the future. A really helpful tool to keep your notes organised for use when you’re completing assignments and revision.

Getting Started

If you are a student and would like to find out more about Read&Write contact our admin team on 0161 745 8353 or email us at admin@remtek-online.co.uk