Writing

Assistive Technology for Writing:

Understood.org, provides a great comprehensive overview of what AT supports can look like for writing. Click here for more information. See below for resources specific to the Issaquah School District.

Speech Recognition Software

Dictation, Speech-to-Text, Speech Recognition...What is it? Click here for key takeaways and tips for use.

Not sure where to start? The manual, Speech Recognition as AT for Writing, is an excellent resource to guide the process.

Microsoft 365 - Dictate

Dictate is an Office Intelligence tool embedded into Microsoft 365 products and Windows 10 that allows users to type with their voice. Dictate can be found on the Home tab in the browser versions of Word and OneNote and in all Microsoft 365 desktop applications.

Windows built-in Dictation can be used in any open text field. To activate, simply press the Windows logo key +H and you will be prompted to turn on Speech Recognition settings. Once enabled, a microphone will appear and you can begin using dictation in your preferred program. Tips and directions from Microsoft, including dictation commands link here.

Google Voice Typing

Google Voice Typing is speech recognition software available in Google Docs and Google Slides when using the Chrome browser. To activate, select: Tools > Voice Typing, or use the keyboard shortcut: Ctrl+Shift+S

Speech Recognition on smartphones and tablets:

Image of an iphone with on screen keyboard featuring the dictation icon

iOS Dictation

Apple Dictation can be accessed from the on-screen keyboard, once dictation is enabled in the settings.

Voice Typing on Android

Talk to write is available on Android 7.0 (and up) through installing Gboard, the Google Keyboard that has a microphone integrated into the on-screen keyboard.

Word Prediction

Read&Write

Read&Write is a software program that provides tools to support reading and writing including word prediction, text-to-speech, translation, and more. Check out this Quick Reference Guide or these brief video tutorials to learn more about how the tools work.

The Issaquah School District has a limited group license to provide accounts for students who require accommodations in these areas, or who would benefit from additional supports to access their education. Free trials are available and recommended prior to requesting an account for students without these accommodations in an IEP or 504 plan. Please email assistivetech@issaquah.wednet.edu for more information.

Practice Exercises for Read&Write Toolbar:

MASTER Student Practice Exercises for using Read&Write for Google Docs Tools.docx

Text Suggestions in Windows 11

Windows 11 provides the opportunity to enable text suggestions while typing. To access this feature, Select Start > Settings > Time & Language > Typing > turn on Show text suggestions when typing on the phyiscal keyboard.

Visit the Microsoft Support center for more information, or follow the screenshots below:

Text Suggestions in Windows 10

Windows 10 now provides the opportunity to enable text suggestions while typing. To access this feature, navigate to Settings > Devices > Typing > Hardware Keyboard > Toggle On: Show Text Suggestions as I Type.