Latest Mac version of the award winning Texthelp Read&Write program to provide assistance to users with learning difficulties!
 Assistive technology specialists Texthelp celebrate a decade of national awards… Read more 
Read&Write 3 GOLD for MAC is the ultimate reading and writing toolkit for Apple MAC users of all ages and abilities who need help with their reading and writing. Used in conjunction with the majority of mainstream computer applications Read&Write 3 GOLD for MAC allows users to develop their literacy skills and enjoy greater independence.
This is achieved through the use of innovative features such as: Speech Feedback, Spell Checking, Homophone Support, Word Prediction, Talking Dictionary, PDF Aloud- the accessibility solution for PDF documents, and One-touch Scanning.
Read&Write 3 GOLD for MAC takes the form of a flexible toolbar that integrates with Microsoft Word for MAC 2008 and Safari. For those who require assistance in any other programme, the software can also be used as a free-standing application
CORE FEATURES AND BENEFITS include:
- Speech Feedback
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.
NEW in 3 Text can be read from Safari and MS Word for MAC 2008. Also Read&Write 3 GOLD for MAC is the only assistive technology available to help those who wish to read PDFs from Adobe Reader 9. Words are highlighted using Texthelp’s unique dual coloured highlighting system and read aloud with human sounding voices, thereby assisting with word recognition and word decoding.
NEW in 3 Read&Write 3 GOLD for MAC comes with new Texthelp UK voices – Tim and Tina. These voices are designed specifically for education with a focus on clear syllabic annunciation of words.
Read&Write GOLD for MAC also has Screenreading. If this feature is selected all menus and icons within Read&Write GOLD for MAC can be read on the screen when the mouse is moved over them. This feature is helpful for people who have difficulty reading the screen.
- NEW in 3 Integration with Microsoft Word for MAC 2008
- Text can be read and followed using Texthelp’s unique dual coloured highlighting system. The text is simultaneously read aloud synchronised in time with the highlighting.
- Spelling errors and homophones can now be identified directly in the MS Word window using Texthelp’s phonetic spell-checker and Sounds Like feature.
- Word prediction is available from the new floating toolbar. The word prediction tool predicts one word ahead and learns as the user types.
- The Read&Write Study Skills Tool can now be accessed from MS Word for MAC 2008.
- Phonetic Spell Checker
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 GOLD for MAC has an advanced phonetic spell checker’s phonetic map 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 also among those identified. As well as offering dictionary definitions, the spell checker also offers sample sentences to ensure that the user has understood the word suggested.
NEW in 3 Major update to the phonetic map so the program returns more appropriate suggestions for spelling errors than previous MAC versions.
- Homophone Support
The Sounds Like feature of Read&Write 3 GOLD for MAC identifies like sounding words that may cause confusion for those with dyslexia. It helps student in choosing the right words by providing alternatives and descriptions of homophones (words that sound the same). Click here for more details.
NEW in 3 More improved definitions for homophones. Now possible to add and remove words to and from the homophone ignore list.
- Word Prediction
Word Prediction in Read&Write GOLD for MAC learns the user’s style of writing and predicts the word they want to use next. It is designed to help with accuracy whilst reducing the number of key strokes that are required. Read&Write GOLD for MAC now has faster phonetic prediction.
Predictions are based on the letters typed and also on the previous word. Only new correctly spelt words will be learned as you type, or from text copied to the clipboard. NEW in 3 More words have been added to the main prediction dictionary. This will help individuals build their vocabulary as they compose text using the prediction tool.
- Extensive Talking Dictionary
Essential in developing literacy and vocabulary skills as it gives the user confidence to expand their vocabulary and develop their writing style. Read&Write GOLD for MAC has a talking dictionary that can be used to give descriptions and alternative words. NEW in 3 More definitions have been added to the basic dictionary. Students can now also create their own dictionary definitions.
- Web Page Reading
NEW in 3 The ability to read web pages from Safari is now built into the main toolbar of the software. It is no longer necessary to click anywhere to select the text. All the user has to do is hover their mouse over the text and it is read aloud in human-sounding voice. This is extremely helpful if the sentence starts with a hyper-link or if the user has dexterity difficulties.
The words are highlighted as the text is read to reinforce comprehension using the Safari web highlighting feature.
NEW in 3 Customisable Floating Toolbar
Read&Write 3 GOLD for MAC has a floating toolbar which can be accessed from Microsoft Word for MAC 2008 and Safari. The user can add or remove features on the toolbar to suit their own preferences.
- NEW in 3 Translator
Read&Write 3 GOLD for MAC’s translator translates words from English into Spanish, French, German or Italian. This is an ideal tool for ESL 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.
- NEW in 3 Activity Logging
Reviewing is an essential part of the learning process and the activity logs in Read&Write 3 GOLD for MAC are created using a unique user file. Teachers can monitor the progress of students and adapt their Individual Education Plans accordingly – while individuals may wish to analyse their own progress by reviewing a log of spelling errors that they have made.
- NEW in 3 Calculator Button
A button has been added to the Read&Write 3 GOLD for MAC toolbar to provide easy access to the MAC built-in talking calculator.
Additionally includes:
- One-touch Scanning
Even in this electronic age so much information is still paper based, whether it is a letter, magazine or book. 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.
Paper-based documents can be accurately converted into onscreen text at the simple click of a button. NEW in 3 Read&Write GOLD 3 for MAC now benefits from ABBYY FineReader for highly accurate Optical Character Recognition (the translation of text images into readable text.)
NB. Texthelp Read&Write GOLD for MAC will work with most scanners – however we do recommend those with a USB or USB 2.0 connection for speed of processing.
- Speech Maker
Listening to text does not have to be limited to your computer. Read&Write GOLD for MAC has the ability to convert any text that you select and turn it in to a sound file. You can listen to it later in the car, on the move or at home with your iPod or MP3 player. It is very simple to use. Read&Write GOLD for MAC allows the conversion of text to MP3 or AIFF files.
The audible text in Read&Write GOLD for MAC can be saved to the user’s media player.
- NEW in 3 Fact Mapper
Read&Write 3 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 and 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. It helps the user visualise and create mental images of their work and is widely used in education and in the workplace. Note: Internet access is required to use this feature.
- Study Skills Tool
Simple aids to help you with studying. Often when reading notes, books or journals we use coloured markers to highlight pieces of text which are of particular relevancy to the subject we are studying.
With the Study Skills tool in Read&Write GOLD for MAC this same ability is brought to the computer. The selected text can then be collated and output into a separate document. NEW in 3 Now also accessible from Safari so you can highlight and collect pertinent sections of text in web research.
- Text Transfer
If you are not using MS Word 2008, text can be transferred from your preferred application into the Read&Write 3 GOLD for MAC ‘Application view’ and edited. This is done through the ‘Text Transfer’ tool. Once the text has been transferred, you can utilise all of the other features of Read&Write GOLD for MAC, such as the Spell Checker, Speech and the Dictionary.
- Daisy Reader
The Daisy Book reader makes it possible for Daisy Books to be read out loud and is particularly useful for people with visual impairments or those who struggle with reading long passages of text.
- PDF Aloud
Read&Write 3 GOLD for MAC’s PDF Aloud is one of the most accurate PDF reader available to students, helping them to access lecture notes and academic reports. Where exam papers in PDF format are provided by online testing organisations, PDF Aloud enables students to take tests and sit exams online with the aid of speech feedback.
System Requirements
The following are the minimum requirements needed to operate Read&Write 3 GOLD for Mac:
- Processor: Intel Core Duo 1.8 GHz
- MAC OS 10.4 or above
- 512 MB RAM (1 GB recommended)
- 800MB of Free Disk Space
- DVD player (for installation only)
Recommended Scanners
- The Read&Write software will work with most scanners; however we do recommend those with a USB connection for speed of processing.
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textHELP Read & Write 3 GOLD for Macs
