Adaptive technologies for people with an intellectual, learning or neurological disability

Reading assistance software
Word prediction software

Reading assistance software

This is software designed to help people with literacy problems.

FEATURES

Reading assistance software can predict words, or the ends of words, ahead of the user. Synthetic speech output can be combined with highlighted text. A dictionary, thesaurus and pronunciation guide are included.

EXAMPLES

Kurzweil 3000 (sophisticated visual and auditory resource, including speaking of web pages). See http://www.kurzweiledu.com for manufacturer and http://www.spectronicsinoz.com for an Australian supplier and information.
Read & Write Gold (sophisticated visual and auditory resource, including speaking of web pages). See http://www.texthelp.com for manufacturer and http://www.spectronicsinoz.com for an Australian supplier and information.
TextAloud (simple and inexpensive, it reads via synthetic speech text copied to the Windows Clipboard and from web pages, Microsoft Word and PDF files). See http://www.nextup.com for information and purchase.

Word prediction software

This software is used to speed up input into computers. It is especially useful for people who have to use very slow methods such as a switch input (see Switches). It can also help people who have literacy problems. As text is entered, the word prediction software offers a list of probable words. The correct word can be selected and it is placed in the application. Based on a user's word usage, the software makes more accurate predictions over time. It can be used with standard computer applications.

EXAMPLES

Co:Writer from Don Johnston Incorporated (especially helpful for phonetically spelled words). See http://www.donjohnston.com for manufacturer and http://www.abilitycorp.com.au or http://www.novitatech.org.au/at_home.asp?p=245 for Australian suppliers.
Penfriend XP Word Prediction Software from Crick Computing (includes synthetic speech output): http://www.cricksoft.com. See http://www.abilitycorp.com.au or http://regencyrehab.cca.org.au or http://www.spectronicsinoz.com for Australian suppliers.
Read & Write from Texthelp (word prediction geared towards people who have reading difficulties): http://www.texthelp.com. See http://www.abilitycorp.com.au or http://www.spectronicsinoz.com for Australian suppliers and information.