Speech Strategy News

goQ Software offers help with learning disabilities. Their Software aids writing with text-to-speech and speech recognition

goQ estimates that 15% of students are diagnosed with learning differences, and the company creates “learning software” to address the needs of students who have difficulty learning to read. The company is comprised of Quillsoft (developers of Word + SpeakQ learning software), ST4 Learning (their U.S. distributor), and Strategic Transitions (their global distributor).

The company’s WordQ-SpeakQ software bundle is an integrated word prediction and speech recognition tool, designed for students from 2nd grade to college and others who struggle with writing. It was developed by Dr. Fraser Shein of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. Working alongside standard writing software, WordQ suggests words to the user (using predictive word technology developed by Quillsoft) and provides spoken feedback using Acapela text-to speech software that allows users to hear their mistakes (e.g., run-on sentences and spelling and punctuation errors). SpeakQ plug-in software supplements WordQ with speech recognition using the built-in speech recognition in Microsoft Windows. The writing tool assists the user with word choices, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and proofreading. Learners can type the words they know how to spell and speak the ones they don’t. Quillsoft designed the program to be very forgiving and encouraging to the learner.

The company’s Vice President of Learner Development, Neil MacGregor, who has battled his own learning disabilities since childhood, initiated a special offer of the software in December. He explained, “We’re offering complimentary licenses—a $279 value—to all professionals whose job it is to know about assistive software, as well as to all graduate students who are future professionals in these fields.”