ENHANCED in 4 Speech feedback is a key feature of Read&Write GOLD for MAC to help users with literacy difficulties when they encounter problems when reading. Not only can Read&Write GOLD for MAC read as the student types but it can also read back completed text either from Read&Write GOLD for MAC itself or imported from other applications.

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 enables users to work more efficiently as they do not need to spend large amounts of time reading text and gives them more independence as they don’t need help to read.

Each word is highlighted as it is spoken to aid comprehension and users can also enable the software to read each word as they type if required.

Users have the option to change the highlighting options and font size to improve readability.

Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC’s speech can also be used to read selected predictions, homophones, spelling suggestions and their definitions.

Users can select their preferred voice in the Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC Preferences Panel. The voices can be adapted to suit your preference by adjusting the Pitch and Speed.

Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC also allows users to modify the way words are pronounced, for example, Wurster for Worcester.

See a video tour of the Speech Feedback feature

The spell checking facility provided by mainstream word processors such as Apple Works and MS Word can often not fully meet the needs of users with literacy difficulties. Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC has an advanced Phonetic Spell Checker that has been developed by educators and dyslexia experts to ensure that even the most unusual spelling errors are recognised. Mirror letters and phonetic errors are among those identified. Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC’s spell checker will correct even more spelling mistakes than before. Corrections are based on the user’s own spelling patterns. Dictionary definitions of the suggested corrections can be read aloud. This enables Users to build their vocabulary and confidence.

Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC has an adaptable Auto Correct functionality (see below) where users can add in their own common errors and corrections. From then on, the common error will be automatically corrected.

Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC has the ability to monitor errors made by an individual User. The error log records errors the user makes, what they were replaced with, the type of error made and the date it occurred. The use of the error log can help identify common mistakes and show how the spell check options can be tailored for maximum efficiency.

The Spell Checker in Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC recognises and adjusts to spelling patterns, making it an effective tool in improving the standard of your work.

See a video tour of the Phonetic Spell Checker feature

Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC’s Homophone Checker identifies and highlights like-sounding words. It suggests audible definitions and replacements, helping the user to apply the right word within the context of their work. Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC will check your document and highlight all homophones. You can verify each homophone by reading the definitions aloud.

You can check homophones as you type, or check the entire document once typing is complete, by pressing the Homophone button. Homophones will be displayed in the colour of your choice.

Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC can help Users gain confidence that they are using the correct word in their sentences, and so allows them to complete documents more accurately.

See a video tour of the Homophone Support feature

Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC’s powerful Word Prediction will not only predict one word ahead, but it will intuitively learn curriculum-based vocabulary. Word prediction is designed to help with accuracy whilst reducing the number of key strokes that are required. Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC now has faster phonetic prediction.

Prediction suggestions are based on the letters typed and also on the previous word. The software learns prediction patterns from new, correctly spelt words and also from text copied to the clipboard.

Word Prediction has been proven to:

• Improve spelling
• Increase the variety of words used
• Improve the correct use of word endings
• Improve sentence structure

See a video tour of the Word Prediction feature

ENHANCED IN 4 Essential in developing literacy and vocabulary skills as it gives the user confidence to expand their vocabulary and develop their writing style. Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC has a Talking Dictionary that can be used to provide definitions and alternative words. Having access to a dictionary feature is essential in developing literacy and vocabulary skills as it gives the user confidence to expand their vocabulary and develop their writing style.

The Talking Dictionary is an essential tool for improving comprehension when reading text in MS Word or from web pages. Users can now access definitions from an online dictionary or create their own dictionary definitions.

See a video tour of the Talking Dictionary feature

Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC has the ability to read web pages from Safari. The User simply hovers their mouse over the text and it will be read aloud in a human-sounding voice. The words are highlighted as the text is read to reinforce comprehension.

It is becoming more and more important that people of all abilities can access and utilise online information. Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC’s Safari Web Highlighting provides access to online information for those who have previously found the internet difficult to navigate.

See a video tour of the Web Page Reading feature

The Daisy Book reader makes it possible for Daisy Books to be read aloud and is particularly useful for people with visual impairments or those who struggle to read long passages of text.

The Daisy Book reader benefits from Texthelp’s dual colour highlighting, a technique which has proven to increase comprehension levels among struggling readers.

Within Daisy Reader it is possible to adjust the read back using the settings available in the speech options of Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC. In other words, it is possible to have the book read by word, by sentence and by paragraph or set continuous reading.

There are many books available as a Daisy Book. By providing a Daisy Book reader, Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC enables Users to access these books with the additional support features such as colour highlighting.

See a video tour of the Daisy Reader feature

ENHANCED IN 4 Even in this electronic age so much information is still paper based, whether it is a letter, magazine or textbook. Accessing such text can be extremely difficult for those with reading difficulties. This can require a lot of time and effort and indeed many have to call on help from others to read what can be private material.

Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC allows users to convert paper-based documents and PDF files into onscreen text at the click of a button. The software now benefits from ABBYY FineReader for highly accurate Optical Character Recognition (OCR) – the translation of text images into readable text. Once imported, all of the other support features in the software can be used such as having text read aloud or using the talking dictionary.

Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC allows users to scan into PDF, MS Word, HTML or Read&Write GOLD.

Being able to scan any paper-based document or PDF file into onscreen text helps those with literacy difficulties by transferring information into a format with which they are comfortable, allowing them to decipher information that would have otherwise been inaccessible.

See list of tested scanners

See a video tour of the Scanning with OCR feature

NEW in 4 Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC’s new screenshot reader will read any ‘locked’ PDF document or inaccessible text. The text can be read in the document or in MS Word.

Users simply click the screenshot reader icon and drag their mouse over any inaccessible text they wish to read.

See a video tour of the Screenshot Reader feature

NEW in 4

“Visual impairments commonly associated with dyslexia can be aided by coloured acetates or tinting…” – Source: Dyslexia Research Trust

Frequently those with dyslexia may also suffer from Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome. It is believed that this affects approximately 12% of the population in the UK.

Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC’s Screen Masking will assist those who experience light sensitivity (glare from the screen), contrast problems (bold black text on a white background) and restricted field (losing focus and tracking of words). The underlining features will help the user keep track of where they are on the page.

Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC incorporates unique screen tinting options to suit individual preferences. Screen masking, the ability to block out any text not being read, is also available as a valuable concentration aid.

Options include:

• Whole screen tinting – tint the screen to block out any text not being read
• Mouse Spotlight – highlight the area under the mouse pointer
• Underline – underline the mouse pointer

The transparency of the underline and tinting can be adjusted to suit the user’s needs, while the colours can be defined.

See a video tour of the Screen Masking feature

ENHANCED IN 4 Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC has very easy-to-use aids to help the user with studying. Often when reading notes, books or journals we use coloured markers to highlight pieces of text which are of particular relevance to the subject we are studying.

Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC brings this learning technique to the computer screen with a choice of markers to highlight and select the pieces of text required. The Study Skills Tools can now be accessed from Safari, as well as MS Word 2008 / 2011. This useful learning strategy can therefore be applied to web research.

If a mistake is made and text is selected that is not required, users can simply utilise the Erase tool. The Green and Magenta Markers and Eraser are also available on the toolbar.

By providing these simple to use study tools, Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC facilitates effective reading and learning.

See a video tour of the Study Skills Tools feature

PDF documents are being increasingly used in education and industry: Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC’s PDF Aloud provides greater accessibility and functionality for those with literacy difficulties. It is one of the most accurate PDF readers available to students, helping Users to access PDF documents such as lecture notes and academic reports. PDF Aloud enables students to take tests and sit exams online with the aid of speech feedback.

PDF Aloud is a plug-in which allows text to be read aloud directly from within Adobe reader. Users can either select text and click Play on the PDF toolbar, or the ‘click and speak‘ button allows users to navigate to the exact part of the text they wish to read.

See a video tour of the PDF Aloud feature

Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC now offers a Fact Mapper tool which allows users to produce a visual representation of ideas online. This is particularly useful when brainstorming, revising or drafting work. The Fact Map can be illustrated with images from the Fact Mapper image library and when completed, it can be exported from the web browser to MS Word.

Concept mapping is a popular planning and memory aid and is widely used in education and in the workplace. Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC’s Fact Mapper can be used by lecturers to brainstorm or map out ideas with a group of students and it can be used by students to create essay plans or revision notes.
Note: Internet access is required to use this feature.

See a video tour of the Fact Mapper feature

Listening to text does not have to be limited to your computer. Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC has the ability to convert any text that users select into a sound file. Users can listen to it later on their iPod or MP3 player. It is very simple to use. Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC allows the conversion of text to MP3 or AIFF files.

The audible text in Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC can be saved to the user’s media player.

How is this useful?

Dyslexic students may read slowly and struggle to meet deadlines. Reading speed can be increased dramatically by producing an audio file of the text they wish to read. Being able to listen to information instead of having to read can help those with learning difficulties.

The Speech Maker facility is very useful for making your own audio book of revision notes, the latest news from the web, or articles from a favourite magazine.

See a video tour of the Speech Maker feature

Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC’s Translator translates words from English into Spanish, French, German or Italian. This is an ideal tool for ESL (English as a second language) students who wish to quickly check the meaning of an English word in their own language. The word can be read aloud in the selected language to reinforce meaning.
Note: Internet access is required to use this feature.

Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC’s Translator is useful for assisting and developing students’ language skills.

See a video tour of the Translator feature

If users are not using MS Word 2008 / 2011, text can be transferred from their preferred application into the Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC ‘Application view’ and edited. This is done through the ‘Text Transfer’ button. Once the text has been transferred, users can utilise all of the other features of the software, such as the Spell Checker and the Dictionary.

Due to its compatibility with common applications, Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC promotes inclusion, as those with learning difficulties such as dyslexia can work alongside their peers but yet still receive the additional support they require.

The following are the minimum requirements needed to operate Read&Write 4 GOLD for Mac:

• Processor: Intel Core Duo 1.8 GHz
• MAC OS 10.4 or above
• 512 MB RAM (1 GB recommended)
• 1.5 GB of free disk Space
• DVD player (for installation only)

Recommended Scanners

Texthelp recommends scanners from Canon and Epson.

Examples of officially tested scanners for Read&Write 4 GOLD for MAC include:

Flatbed	Multifunction
Canon Lide 200 Epson V350 Epson V100 Epson 4490 Epson Perfection 1670 (discontinued) Epson Perfection 1660 Photo (discontinued)	Canon MP210 Canon MP490 Canon MX700 Epson SX515 / NX515 Epson SX400 / NX400

View / Download

• Read&Write 4 GOLD for Mac Training Guide UK – (2.2 MB)
  
• Read&Write 4 GOLD for Mac Quick Start Guide
  
• Read&Write 4 GOLD for Mac Manual

Online Training and Webinars

• Free webinars by Texthelp