WriteAssist
SecondGuess Software
www.secondguessusa.com
212-203-3834
E-mail:sales@secondguessusa.com
System Requirements:
Windows 95 (Windows 98 or higher recommended)
100 MHz Pentium CPU, CD-ROM, 64-MB RAM, Sound Card, Mouse, 50-MB of free space on your hard drive
Single User License:$119.99 Network & District licenses also available $499.99.
Reviewed by Matthew Press OTR/L, ATP Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST)
Email: press_mo1@firn.edu
Rating: A-
I recently had the chance to install and use a suite of programs by SecondGuess Software. It is a suite of programs designed to help individuals with writing and reading difficulty. The suite includes:
Universal WriteAssist is a simple, straight forward interface that allows for quick integration into a user’s current word processing program. It displays as a floating toolbar, sharing the screen with the word processing program installed on the computer. Universal WriteAssist has a word prediction feature that offers up to 30 word choices at a time (ten of which can be accessed using hot keys); in addition, Universal WriteAssist can read back text that has been entered or cut and pasted into a word processing document. The read back feature can be set to read back text after each individual word, after each sentence or paragraph, or at the end of an entire document; it can also conveniently be set to read back portions of a document.
One of Universal WriteAssist’s unique features is the ability to provide word prediction options for any word previously typed when the cursor is placed within that word. It has the ability to “learn” new words to add to the word prediction list, and can be set-up to predict words that contain a minimum of three or more letters. This option eliminates displays of one and two letter words that often are not accessed by word prediction users. The word prediction program can be converted to a word completion program, requiring the user to type the first letter of the desired word, prior to receiving a list of words. The program automatically spaces after ending punctuation has been entered; depending on the users typing speed and ability, this may be counter productive. Universal WriteAssist can be used with alternative keyboard devices such as Intellikeys or Discover Switch to perform most of its primary functions. Overall, the program will be able to provide another option for users who benefit from a talking word processing program such as auditory feedback, a talking spell checker and word prediction when using their own word processing program.
Clip Reader is a simple yet powerful program for users who need text on the screen read out loud. After highlighting and copying the text to the clipboard, the program reads back to the user the selected text. One interesting option within the program is the ability to save the copied text as a rich text file.
Screen Reader is a program with the ability to give the user auditory information about many different objects on the screen. By simply placing the mouse over an object, text, or menu for an adjustable period of time, the user is given auditory feedback of the text that is associated with the selection. This could be the name of the icon on the desktop, the word and its function in a menu bar, or the direct reading of a paragraph of text.
Overall, WriteAssist software represents an array of options for individuals who need assistance with reading, writing, or both. The software is versatile enough to be customized for individual user preferences, yet complete enough at initial installation to be used immediately. While reasonably priced at the individual user’s level, the network cost is extremely attractive and allows for installation on network computers as well as installation on student and teacher home computers. The manufacturer provides help pages for each of the programs and free technical support for sixty days; after that the cost for tech support and product upgrades is minimal at $49.99 for personal support and $74.99 for network support.
Grade A-
© 2004 ConnSENSE
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