Read&Write for Google

There are few assistive technology tools that can be found in the Google Docs Tools menu:

  • Voice Typing will allow students to talk into their microphones for speech-to-text.
  • Translate document will translate anything typed into your choice of languages.

But, the Read&Write for Google Chrome extension is the closest thing to a personalized, modification tool that a student can have. This tutorial will help you direct students on how to install and use it.

1) Students need to be logged into their Chrome browser for Google Read&Write to be used anywhere, anytime. If they are on a Chromebook, they will be logged on automatically. If on a desktop, they will have to click the user icon in the upper right. Their name appears when they are logged in.

2) Extensions are found in the upper right hand corner of the Chrome Browser. Google Read&Write has already be installed into the student profile, so you should see the purple puzzle piece icon in the upper right.

If for some reason it doesn't appear, direct students to this link so they can "Add to Chrome".

3) When a student opens a Google Doc, Google Slide presentation, or even a webpage, they will see the purple puzzle piece at the top of the file. Clicking the logo once, will open the Extension menu.

4) Using the Read&Write menu, students can select the tools they wish to use. After the 30 day trial, limited features are available, but text-to-speech Play, Pause, and Stop buttons remain.

As a teacher, you can register for the premium (paid) version for free here.

These options are available with the full, paid version of Google Read & Write:

With it's ability to predict what a student is trying to type, the Prediction tool can be helpful for struggling writers.

With it's Vocabulary tool, it will create a new document that contains a vocabulary list.

The Screen Shot Reader can read any text on a picture, or more importantly, a PDF

The Dictionary tool, easily brings up definitions of any selected word.

On a side note, mobile Chrome browsers do not support extensions, however you can download Read&Write apps that work in a very similar fashion (Read&Write for iPad).


As with any extension, the user has to be logged in to the Google Chrome browser. Click here for more information.

#Assistive Technology