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Company Exec With Learning Disabilities Thrives Using Software He Represents

Neil MacGregor is VP of Learner Development for rapidly-growing company that distributes WordQ+SpeakQ software for struggling writers

Dover, NH; April 6, 2011 Neil MacGregor was diagnosed with a learning disability in second grade and put into remedial classes. He was illiterate until grade 6. In high school, a teacher tried to talk him out of going to college, saying "You couldn't possibly finish, and you’d only waste time and money."

NeiI entered college in 1999, as a participant in a national study. Its objective was to see what kind of assistance students with learning disabilities would need to succeed at college. Even though Neil was reading and writing at a seventh grade level, he was able to use assistive technology to complete his BA in Philosophy, finishing at the top of his class.

Part of Neil’s success was in finding creative ways to complete assignments. For example, he found that getting through Shakespeare was much easier by watching and comparing spoken versions of the plays he was studying. This unusual approach eventually led to an invitation to read at the International Association of Philosophy and Literature. This, in turn, led to a scholarship offer to attend graduate school.

Neil decided instead to train and coach other students with learning disabilities. He taught them to use the same tools and techniques that helped him so much. Over a three-year period, he met one-on-one with 600 students. He’s taught hundreds more teachers, specialists and parents about the perspective of students with learning disabilities and how to best integrate and use assistive tools. Neil now works as the national Vice President of ST4 Learning, distributors of WordQ+SpeakQ assistive software for struggling writers (www.goQsoftware.com). He uses the state-of-the-art WordQ+SpeakQ all day and says he thrives in the business world “using the very tools I represent.” His passion is to show others how to use technology that can change lives, as it’s changed his.

Neil explains that, “Growing up, I often felt as though I was underperforming, when all I needed was the right tools. WordQ+SpeakQ is one such tool. It allows me to take control of my writing and, as a result, increases my confidence and independence. It has empowered me both as a student and as an adult in business, by supporting me without being overly cumbersome or intrusive. I only wish I had found it earlier.”

MacGregor goes on to say that, “We live in an era where ‘writing is the new social currency,’ making it a more critical skill than ever before. Students used to spend their time talking on the phone and passively watching television. Now, that time is spent with email, Facebook, Twitter, instant messaging, commenting on YouTube videos, blogs and interactive websites. Text is the medium of the exchange and your ability to write is your ability to express yourself.”

Almost 1400 school districts, schools and demonstration centers have begun using the WordQ+SpeakQ software in the U.S., since June 2009. Struggling writers who are benefiting from its use include those with dyslexia and other learning differences, dysgraphia (deficiency in writing), ADD&ADHD, graphomotor control issues, physical impediments (including cerebral palsy, stroke recovery, carpal tunnel syndrome), autism, Asberger’s, aphasia (language impairment due to brain injury), ESL and foreign language learners, and more.

Neil MacGregor and his colleagues are so confident in this software and its ability to enhance lives that they’re offering complimentary licenses (a $279 value) to all AT, OT and SLP professionals whose job it is to know about assistive software, as well as to all graduate students who are future professionals in these fields. People can find out if they qualify here.”

Neil MacGregor is available for interview
Complimentary licenses for review purposes are available upon request

About WordQ+SpeakQ: This software bundle is the first and only integrated word prediction and speech recognition tool available, designed for students (from 2^nd grade to college) and others who struggle with writing.

About goQ: goQ is an international literacy software entity specializing in high-quality products, customer service and training. The entity is comprised of Quillsoft (developers of WordQ+ SpeakQ), Strategic Transitions Inc. (global distributor) and ST4 Learning Inc. (U.S. distributor). (http://www.goqsoftware.com/)

Media Contact:

Christopher M. Williams
Director, Strategic Communications
Cookson Stephens Corporation

chris@cooksonstephens.com / 603.782.8192 (o) / 603.630.1259 (c)

Call Toll Free: 877-674-7687

Company Exec With Learning Disabilities Thrives Using Software He Represents