Software Solutions for Literacy Needs
By Closing the Gap, Vol. 20, No. 4, p. 25Publication Date: October/November 2001
Article describing WordSmith, an integrated tool bar from Microsoft Word software that features document scanning, on-screen editing, and text reading of scanned material. The speaking phonetic spell-checker can be useful for students with dyslexia, as it corrects spelling errors by providing audible definitions to aid selection. Text reading with highlighting provides audio-visual feedback and assists in word recognition. Word prediction predicts words based on the student's writing style, and the thesaurus provides alternative suggestions for words with audible description. BrowseAloud, Pronunciation Tutor, and Spelling Log are also featured in the program. BrowseAloud is a speech support tool bar, which highlights words as they are spoken in Internet explorer. Pronunciation Tutor breaks words into syllables, which facilitates word recognition and helps students to develop accurate speech. The Spelling Log records the date and type of spelling mistakes made, and indicates areas where students need improvement.
Assistive Products Discussed: WORDSMITH
Published by: Closing the Gap, Inc. (Website:http://www.closingthegap.com)
