‘Mmm mmm good!’ goQ partners with TechSoup

Partnership allows Techsoup Global to distribute wordQ + speakQ to nonprofits worldwide

DOVER, NH. — goQ has partnered with TechSoup Global to distribute wordQ + speakQ assistive technology software to eligible nonprofits and libraries around the world. wordQ + speakQ is a reading and writing program designed to help writers of any age or skill level communicate efficiently and effectively.

wordQ + speakQ is the first and only writing assistance, word prediction, text-to-speech, and speech-recognition software available through TechSoup. These programs allow a greater number of individuals with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, English language learners, or business professionals to improve their literacy and spelling.

This partnership —through eligible nonprofits and libraries— offers affordable access to this effective assistive technology.

The number of Americans who struggle with writing is staggering. The National Commission on Writing reported that:
• Just over 80 percent of eighth- and twelfth-grade students are not proficient at writing
• About 75 percent of unemployed adults have reading or writing difficulties
• Low literacy's effects cost the U.S. $225 billion or more each year in: non-productivity in the workforce, crime, and loss of tax revenue due to unemployment
• More than 60 percent of all state and federal corrections inmates can barely read and write. “There are actually states in the US that build prisons based on how many people are illiterate." Dr. Lesley Morrow, President of the International Reading Association

According to goQ Executive Vice President Christine Bird, wordQ + speakQ has supported millions of people as they work to develop and improve their ability to write. Some students with learning disabilities who use wordQ + speakQ are able to participate in class without needing one-on-one assistance. There are stroke victims, suffering from aphasia, who have regained their ability to communicate with their families, and people with physical disabilities have more professional opportunities, are able to contribute, and receive promotions.

“goQ’s mission is to create a nation of better writers,” said Bird. “Our goal is to enable struggling writers to reach their full potential and we are passionate about the life changing nature of wordQ + speakQ.”

Bird added that goQ actively seeks to develop partnerships with organizations that help uncover new opportunities to introduce wordQ + speakQ to the millions of people who could benefit from the support it provides.

“Both of our organizations believe that improving one's ability to think, learn, understand and express one's thoughts and ideas lead to personal and professional achievement,” Bird said. “Combining TechSoup’s reach and goQ’s mission will enable more nonprofits and libraries access the writing assistance of wordQ + speakQ.”

TechSoup Global functions as a resource to provide nonprofits and libraries affordable access to software through its worldwide network of individuals and organizations that share in their convictions.

Once qualified with TechSoup, nonprofits and libraries can access over 400 technology products from more than 40 donor partners — including Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco, Intuit, and Symantec.