Your Guide to Texthelp Read&Write for Literacy Support

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Your comprehensive guide to using Texthelp Read&Write, a powerful assistive technology tool designed to support reading, writing, and learning for all students. 

What is Texthelp Read&Write?

Texthelp Read&Write is an intuitive literacy support tool that provides a range of features to make reading, writing, and studying easier. It’s designed to help students with learning differences like dyslexia, neurodiversity as well as those who simply want to enhance their productivity. 

Key Features: 

  • Text-to-Speech: Reads digital text aloud. 
  • Speech-to-Text: Converts spoken words into text. 
  • Screen Masking: Highlights and focuses on specific sections of text. 
  • Dictionary & Picture Dictionary: Provides word definitions and visual aids. 
  • Highlighter & Study Tools: Allows you to highlight and extract key information. 
  • PDF Reader: Makes PDFs accessible with reading and annotation tools. 

Learn more on the official Texthelp website

How to Access Texthelp Read&Write

  • The full version is available on campus at the Student Computing Centres and remotely through the Queens Student Desktop via the accessibility symbol on the desktop. Staff can request access to the licensed software through IT services.
  • Google Chrome Extension with some of the features is available as a free download 

Watch the Demo Video:

Using the Key Features

Text-to-Speech 

What it does: Reads text aloud with customisable voices and speeds.

How to use: 

  • Highlight the text you want to hear. 
  • Click the Play button on the toolbar. 
  • Adjust the voice settings under Options > Speech. 

Speech-to-Text 

What it does: Converts spoken words into typed text.

How to use:

  • Open a blank document. 
  • Click the Microphone button and start speaking. 
  • Your words will appear as text in real time. 

Highlighters and Collect Highlights 

What it does: Lets you highlight important sections of text and extract them into a new document. 

How to use: 

  • Select text and use one of the coloured highlighter buttons. 
  • Click Collect Highlights to compile them into a study guide. 

PDF Reader 

What it does: Makes PDFs interactive with text-to-speech and annotation tools. 

How to use: 

  • Open a PDF file using the Read&Write PDF Reader. 
  • Use the toolbar to read text, highlight, or annotate directly on the document. 

Dictionary and Picture Dictionary 

What it does: Provides definitions and visual representations of words.

How to use: 

  • Highlight a word and click the Dictionary or Picture Dictionary button. 
  • Explore the definition or image provided. 

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Why isn’t the text-to-speech working?

  • Ensure your device volume is on, and the correct voice is selected under settings. 

How do I change the voice in Text-to-Speech?

  • Go to Options > Speech and choose a new voice from the list.

Can I use Read&Write on mobile devices?

  • Yes, but features may vary. Check the Texthelp mobile apps page here. 

Free Alternatives to Read&Write

If you don’t have access to Read&Write, consider these free alternatives: 

Google Chrome Extensions: 

  • Read Aloud: Text-to-speech for web pages. 
  • Grammarly: Writing assistance with grammar and spelling suggestions. 

Additional Resources and Tutorials 

Assistive technology is more than a collection of tools—it’s a way to personalise your learning environment to suit your unique strengths and challenges. By leveraging free and licensed AT resources, students can gain confidence, improve their academic performance, and unlock their full potential.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The key is to embrace a mindset of exploration and adaptability. Your learning journey is as unique as you are, and the right tools can make all the difference.

Finally, I’d love to hear from you! What tools have worked best for you, and how have they improved your academic experience? Share your favourite apps, software, or strategies to help others in the neurodiverse community discover new possibilities.

Support and Training 

  • IT Helpdesk: For licensing issues or technical support, reach out to the QUB IT Helpdesk.