Kurzweil vs. Read&Write: A Breakdown

Kurzweil and Read&Write are some of the most popular assistive technology tools to help individuals with learning disabilities. If you’re unfamiliar with these tools, you may think they offer the same options, but this isn’t the case. Numerous features set the two tools apart.

Here, we’ll review and compare Kurzweil and Read&Write and help you decide which one is the most suitable option for your needs.

An overview of Kurzweil

Kurzweil 3000 is a reading, learning, and writing solution and a literacy tool for individuals with learning difficulties. The screen reader’s cutting-edge technology makes curriculums more accessible and offers a simpler, more engaging experience for learners.

Kurzweil 3000 features 31 TTS voices and 18 languages and dialects. It offers numerous customization options, including adjusting the presentation, playback speed, text magnification, and background and text color.

Since Kurzweil 3000 features adjustable font sizes and styles and is compatible with a braille display, it’s ideal for those with low vision. Plus, the software offers the OpenDyslexic font, specifically designed for individuals with dyslexia.

This program uses the latest OCR technology to ensure the highest accuracy in reading aloud. Individuals can also use sticky notes, bookmarks, note-taking options, and graphic organizers that allow mind mapping and make studying easier.

In terms of compatibility, Kurzweil 3000 is accessible on Windows, Mac, and mobile phones. While users can use Kurzweil on browsers on their phones, there’s no independent mobile app.

The pricing depends on the number of licenses you want to purchase. Moreover, subscriptions for elementary school, high school, and college students are usually more affordable.

An overview of Read&Write

Read&Write is a popular text to speech software designed by Texthelp. The program sits on top of the apps and programs you’re using and reads the text out loud. As it reads, the program highlights the words and helps users follow along with ease.

Although the text to speech option is the most popular, Read&Write offers other valuable features for individuals with learning difficulties.

For example, the program helps with word comprehension by offering high-quality dictionaries. These dictionaries provide definitions and display images to ensure the users understand the term.

Another useful option Read&Write offers is creating vocabulary lists. While the program is reading a text, you can select specific words and make a list with their dictionary definitions, images, and symbols.

With Read&Write, you don’t have to worry about grammar, punctuation, and spelling because the program offers a built-in checker that ensures the text is flawless. If you want to create an audio file of a certain part of the text, use the Audio Maker option.

Besides transforming written texts into speech, Read&Write enables you to convert speech to text.

Regarding its availability, Read&Write is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS (iPhone and iPad). Moreover, users can get the software as a Google Chrome and a Microsoft Edge extension.

Read&Write offers several pricing plans for learners, educators, groups, and workplaces. It has excellent multi-license and bundle options.

Due to its numerous valuable features, Read&Write is an excellent option for individuals with learning difficulties like dyslexia or those with a visual impairment. However, this software can also be used by those who simply prefer listening to reading.

How the two compare

While Kurzweil and Read&Write are similar in many ways, users should consider a few key differences.

Target audience

Both Kurzweil and Read&Write offer incredible tools for individuals with learning disabilities. They feature dictation, word prediction, and many other features that can guide individuals toward success.

However, it’s important to mention that Kurzweil 3000 is a more specialized tool. Unlike Read&Write, Kurzweil offers special fonts for those with dyslexia and exceptional magnification options.

Those with learning difficulties can use Read&Write, but it’s also suitable for individuals who enjoy listening more than reading a text.

Compatibility

Kurzweil and Read&Write work with Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Google Docs, web pages, etc. While they are accessible on multiple platforms, users should be aware that Kurzweil 3000 doesn’t have an independent mobile phone app.

Pricing

Both Kurzweil and Read&Write require users to purchase a subscription to use all the features. However, the latter often offers discounts and promotions for bulk subscriptions. Moreover, the software is completely free for teachers, unlike Kurzweil 3000.

Other assistive technology tools

Other assistive technology tools that individuals with learning difficulties may find useful are:

• Dragon Naturally Speaking – Dragon Naturally Speaking is a speech recognition software that helps individuals use their computers with ease. Thanks to this program, individuals can use their voice to create and edit documents, open apps, control the cursor, and much more.
• NaturalReader – NaturalReader is a text to speech software that allows users to convert text to spoken language.
• Speechify – Speechify is a TTS program that uses cutting-edge AI technology to transform almost any written text to speech. Its versatility and numerous customization option make it one of the most popular TTS tools on the market.

Speechify: Using text to speech to assist in learning

Many people consider Speechify one of the best text to speech programs for numerous reasons. First, Speechify uses the latest technology to convert written text to speech. As a result, users can enjoy natural-sounding language.

Secondly, Speechify allows users to customize the reading speed and choose the desired language. What’s more, users can select the accent they enjoy.

This incredible tool enables users to scan hard copies of their favorite books and convert them to audio files in only a few clicks. Plus, thanks to the export option, you can download the audio files and listen to them on the go, even if you don’t have internet access.

Users can utilize Speechify to improve English proficiency and work on active reading strategies. The program ensures reading abilities don’t impose an obstacle to success.

Try Speechify today and see for yourself why this software is so popular.

Speechify

Kurzweil

Read&Write

Browser Extension

Yes

Yes

Mobile App

Yes (Android & iOS)

Ipad App

Yes

Yes

Foreign Languages

Yes (40+ languages)

<10

<10

Number of Voices

200+

<10

<10

Unified Invoicing

Yes

Yes

Yes

Admin Controls

Yes

Yes

Yes

Take a Photo and Read

Yes

Cross device syncing to continue
reading where you left off

Yes

Edu Discounts

Yes

Yes

Yes

SOC2

Yes

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Textbook photo support

Yes

DSA availability in the UK

Yes

Yes

Advanced natural sounding AI voices

Yes

No

Note-taking support

Yes

Yes

Yes

Exporting notes from documents

Yes

Yes