Texthelp Systems Announces Read&Write 9 GOLD for Windows

ORLANDO, Fla.-(Business Wire)-January 28, 2009 - Award-winning software publisher, Texthelp Systems today announces the newest release of its literacy support software program for individuals with reading and writing difficulties, Read&Write 9 GOLD for Windows, at the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) Conference being held January 28-31 at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, FL. Read&Write 9 GOLD is an easy-to-use toolbar that floats on top of any mainstream Windows^® application and makes learning accessible for all students especially those with reading and writing disabilities, learning disabilities, and English Language Learners.

The new features and enhancements in Version 9 provide even more support for the variety of learning styles found in today’s classrooms. The many exciting new features and enhancements include custom Texthelp Voices, Create Lexiflow eBooks, Screen Masking, Online Fact Mapper, Online Translator, and NIMAS Conversion Tool from CAST. In addition, Texthelp is offering new concurrent user licensing options for Version 9 for students at home and at school.

“Texthelp had several goals for this new release. First was to provide new features that would make learning an even more positive experience for students – features such as the high quality, custom voices that were created specifically for educational users, unlike others being used in text to speech products today. Next was to address requests from our customers for additional and enhanced functionality in features such as Word Prediction, Fact Mapper, and Translator. Finally, we wanted to give users access to powerful existing technology tools such as the NIMAS Conversion Tool from CAST and Lexiflow which allows teachers to create talking flash eBooks for their students. By combining all of these into Version 9 with flexible licensing options, Read&Write GOLD makes learning even more accessible for all students”, said Jack Dolan, President, Texthelp Systems Inc.

New features in Version 9 include:

New Texthelp Voices - Custom, natural sounding male and female voices developed especially for Texthelp.
Create Lexiflow eBooks - Teachers can convert a scanned document to flash and create a talking eBook. This eBook can then be viewed on any PC or Mac with flash installed. In addition to text to speech with choice of reading voice, the eBook also includes support tools such as a Dictionary, Translator, Sticky Notes, and Highlighters. The eBook is ideal for distributing to students who have no accessibility software available.
Screen Masking - Users can tint the screen using any number of colors, like an overlay and mask areas of the window apart from the reading or typing area. This feature is helpful to users who have trouble focusing on the screen by masking out with color the active or non active parts of the screen.
Online Fact Mapper - The online graphic organizer has a new look and feel along with flexible customization. Students can also write text directly on the mapped elements, add sticky notes to the map, and export the elements into an outline.
Online Translator - This one-click translator allows words to be translated into multiple languages and to be spoken aloud with highlighting.
NIMAS Conversion Tool from CAST - The NIMAS Conversion Tool from CAST is now being distributed free of charge with Read&Write GOLD. Using NIMAS source files created by K-12 curriculum publishers, accessible, student-ready alternate-format versions of textbooks and core materials (e.g., Digital Talking Books) can subsequently be created with the NIMAS Conversion Tool. These student-ready files can then be distributed to qualified students with disabilities.
Concurrent User Licensing - Concurrent licenses can be accessed during the day at school as well as after school from home, thus allowing more students access to the support tools they need when they need them. Unlimited site license customers can also add remote user licenses to accommodate their students while not at school.

With Read&Write GOLD Version 9, Texthelp is continuing its commitment to ensure that all students, in class and at home, can access curriculum content and complete reading, writing, and research assignments as well as tests independently, thereby giving them the edge in learning and studying.

Texthelp at ATIA

Texthelp will be demonstrating Read&Write GOLD Version 9 in Booth#300 at ATIA. Visitors can see demonstrations of Version 9, learn how to enter our Multimedia Technology Package drawing, and register to win a free Read&Write 9 GOLD MOBILE! The product will also be highlighted in several general sessions as well as at the Microsoft Education Theatre.

Pricing and Availability

Read&Write 9 GOLD is available now. Pricing options are available for single users, schools, districts, and colleges. Options include concurrent user licensing for use at school and at home, unlimited site licensing, and single user licensing (DVD or USB). Pricing starts at $365 for Read&Write (non-scanning version) and $645 for Read&Write GOLD. “Take Home” pricing of $295 is available for students/schools with unlimited site licenses. For sales and ordering information, call Texthelp at 888-248-0652 or email u.s.info@texthelp.com. More information about Read&Write 9 GOLD is available at www.texthelp.com.

About Texthelp Systems Inc.

Texthelp Systems markets award-winning software solutions to help people with reading, writing, and literacy difficulties. Since 1996, Texthelp has been developing software products to take advantage of the latest technology innovations and to meet the ever increasing need for solutions for individuals with literacy difficulties. Texthelp’s products include: Read&Write GOLD, Read&Write GOLD MOBILE, and Lexiflow. Read&Write GOLD is a customizable easy to use toolbar that seamlessly integrates with familiar applications including Microsoft^® Word, Internet Explorer, and Adobe^® Reader allowing students to access the support tools they need from within mainstream software programs. Read&Write GOLD MOBILE is available on a USB flash drive which allows a user to access the features of Read&Write GOLD on any computer with no installation required.

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