TextHelp Read&Write

About Read&Write

Read&Write  from TextHelp helps all individuals succeed regardless of ability or learning style.  Users can access the reading, writing, studying, and research tools they need at school, home, or work. Having text read aloud with dual color highlighting, along with additional support tools, helps every learner gain confidence and work independently at their own pace.

Syracuse University maintains a site license for Read&Write for PC, Mac, and iPad, as well as a Chrome browser extension. 

The discrete, customizable toolbar  works with commonly-used file types and applications including: Microsoft ® Word, Google Docs™, PDFs, Mozilla Firefox®, Internet Explorer®, Safari, and Chrome™, to make digital content accessible. The software can take scanned electronic documents and camera images into a format that enables interaction with the content.

Read&Write is especially helpful for those challenged with the increased demands of college, including: 

• Those with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia
• Student athletes trying to balance the demands of sports with their course work
• First-generation college students 
• English as a Second Language learners
• International students
• Adult learners with full-time jobs and families
• And all others who have difficulty reading and writing

Installing Read&Write

Go to the Texthelp webpage.  (https://www.texthelp.com )

On the Texthelp homepage locate the Products drop-down menu from the banner and select Read&Write.

Select the link to "Try Read&Write."

Choose Google Chrome, Windows, Android, iPad, Mac OS, or Edge.

For desktop applications, the install package will be downloaded to your device where you can install as you would any other program. Browser extension links will bring you to the respective store page. 

When prompted to log in, please choose the 'Sign in with Microsoft' option and follow the steps to login with your @syr.edu email. You will be prompted to authenticate. 

Tips for Launching the Read&Write Chrome Extension

• If upon installation and selecting the extension icon you are not prompted to login, you may need to clear your browser cache, restart your machine, or download the Read&Write desktop application for Windows or Mac OS. 
• For best results when signing into Read&Write with Microsoft, please go to office.com and sign in using your Syracuse University email. Open a blank online Word file and select the Read&Write extension icon while in that document. This will ensure that Read&Write detects the Microsoft account properly and is able to prompt its own login page. 

Add the PDF Reader for Chrome

If you installed the Chrome extension, consider also downloading the PDF Reader Extension for Chrome which allows you to open and read PDF documents from Google Drive, from the web, or directly from your hard drive. For instructions on using the PDF Reader with Google Drive please see Read&Write for Google Chrome: PDF Reader in G-Suite (YouTube).

Additional Information and Training

 TextHelp has a number of free training resources including tutorials and videos in their Training & Resources Center including:

• Read&Write for Windows Training Guide