SymWord
by Claro Software Ltd
The talking word processor for younger learners and computer users with literacy difficulties
SymWord is a fun, easy-to-use talking word processor for younger learners and computer users with literacy difficulties.
Using the new and dynamic SymbolStix symbol set, SymWord converts words into associated symbols, and symbols into words onscreen. SymWord provides a flexible literacy tool with the following features:
- powerful word and symbol prediction
- standard word processor functions
- onscreen grids and word banks
SymWord uses grids of symbols and words, allowing the onscreen keyboard to be controlled using a range of methods – from standard mouse, switch scanning to joystick input – to suit a wide variety of physical abilities.
Symbols and words can be spoken out loud using quality human-sounding voices, and SymWord also contains a powerful, customisable word prediction tool. Documents can be created as text with symbols if required, and then emailed or saved.
New grids and word banks can be quickly and easily created using the GridEd tool, using the thousands of built in symbols, pictures and audio files.
Benefits and FeaturesexpandClick to collapse
User Profiles
SymWord supports different user profiles, so that you can save personal preferences without having to reset your profile. You can also choose the Add User tab to manage different users.
Toolbar
The toolbar lets you easily access the most popular commands, allowing you to save and print projects, change font size and style, send and receive emails, and listen to your work being read out loud.
SymbolStix
Using the dynamic SymbolStix symbol set, SymWord converts words into associated symbols, and symbols into words onscreen. Featuring powerful word and symbol prediction, standard word processor functions, onscreen grids and word banks SymWord provides a flexible literacy tool.
Settings Menu
SymWord lets users alter the program according to their unique reading and writing abilities. Choose between the easy and advanced level, personalise the toolbar and font colour, and decide what speed and content the text-to-speech tool reads out.
Prediction Dictionary
You can personalise your own word prediction dictionary, the choice of words to be shown and their colours. A list of words is prompted simply by pressing a key. Words can be added, taken away, and even shown in block capitals
SymWord operates an email system to help communication. Users can send and receive emails using symbols, words, or a mixture of both – enabling users who cannot read or write text to communicate while their messages are read out to them.
Text-to-Speech
The RealSpeak Australian, human-sounding voice can be set to read both characters and words out loud. You can use the arrow keys to listen whilst moving around the document, and SymWord also reads out the menu grid contents, and its commands.
Creating Grids
SymWord comes with a number of ready to use pre-defined grid keyboards, but the GridEd program helps you create and edit your own. Once created, you can click on the keys using a mouse, or SymWord will perform a linear or block scan across the keyboard – allowing you stop on the command you wish to use, using the input method that suits you.
Requirements and ResourcesexpandClick to collapse
- Windows
- Operating System: Windows 7, Vista, XP (32-bit only)
- Processor: Pentium 4 or later or AMD Athlon 1GHz or later
- Memory: 1 GB RAM
- Hard Disk Space: 2 GB
- Sound Card: Required with headphones or speakers
- DVD-ROM drive
View/Download
- SymWord Brochure (418 KB)
- SymWord Trial version (285 MB download from Claro Software website, includes one UK RealSpeak voice, Daniel)
- SymWord Online Manual
- SymWord User Guide (1 MB)
SymWord is targeted at the following age ranges:
- Early Primary
- Mid Primary
- Upper Primary
- Secondary School
- Adult
SymWord is designed to foster development in the areas of:
- Literacy
- Communication
Users can access SymWord in the following ways:
- Mouse/ Trackball/ Joystick
- Keyboard
- Touchscreen
- Single Switch
For answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and technical support visit:
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