Read & Write for Google , an extension in the Google Chrome Store, is available with a new look and new features. The Read & Write extension has continued to improve, providing additional features to support struggling readers and writers. Word prediction, translation and fact finder tools are new features in the full, premium version. Other new features the full version provides are access PDF files and KES files using Read & Write browser tool along with the basic tools such as text to speech and highlighting capabilities within Google Docs and the web.  Easy to use, the Read & Write for Google extension provides  basic tools that support students with print disabilities.

The Read & Write for Google offers all of the features for in a 30 day free trial with text to speech tools remaining after the trial period. Available for use in Google Docs and on the Internet, the Read & Write tool bar is easy to use when working on Google Chrome. Here’s a video on accessing the Read & Write for Google tool bar and use of word prediction in Google Docs:

The full features of Read & Write for Google (after 30 day trial requires purchase of Premium version) includes:
◾Read Aloud with dual-color highlighting
◾Word Prediction (New!)
◾Translator
◾Talking and Picture Dictionaries
◾Fact Finder
◾Highlighters and Collect highlights
◾Vocabulary Builder to easily create a list of words with text definitions and images.
◾Annotations (PDF and ePub)
◾Navigational tools (PDF and ePub)

A video of the new web browser tool demonstrates using Read & Write’s text to speech tools while on the web:

The added word prediction and web reading features are a welcome addition. My personal experience with students using Read & Write for Google has shown it an easy to use, stable tool bar with helpful tools for individuals with literacy challenges. Working in a Google School, the new Google extension provides greater choices for students with a learning disability than any other Google extension or app currently available. After the 30 day trial, the text to speech tool remains a great tool for students to access print or edit their written work using the speech feedback.

Give it a trial for 30 days with your students! It is a great accessibility option to have on the web and in Google docs.  Got a question or need more information? Contact Text Help for more information – they are always helpful and responsive to your questions or concerns.

Thanks Text Help for supporting students with literacy challenges using Google Chrome!
Carol