ClaroRead
ClaroRead is a highly effective multi-sensory software solution for supporting any computer user who struggles with reading and writing - perhaps due to dyslexia or other situations. It is designed and crafted by experts, and provides a quality tool that is simple to use.
ClaroRead provides the reading and writing support tools to give computer users independence. By making the computer speak any text with a human voice, text documents can be proofed out loud and web pages,e-mails and any other text can be listened to. It can reduce reliance on teachers, partners, support staff and parents and give the opportunity to achieve the same standards as everyone else.
Available in Standard, PLUS and now Premium versions, ClaroRead is easy-to-use and provides the perfect integrated tool for use with Microsoft Office 2003 and 2007. ClaroRead 2007 works on the new Windows Vista operating system, as well as Windows XP and 2000.
The range of additional voices in over 20 languages is also helpful for those learning a second language.
ClaroRead Standard is closely integrated with Microsoft Word and Internet Explorer, practically any text can be spoken aloud by this powerful software.
With ClaroRead PLUS, you can also scan any paper document, convert any PDF file and have it spoken back with complete clarity.
With ClaroRead Premium you also receive ClaroRead PLUS, a portable version of ClaroRead Standard on a USB Memory Stick, as well as our Mindfull concepts mapping tool.
Features and Benefits
Text to Speech Features, Word Integration, Colour, Font & Spacing, Homophones, Dictionary, Word Prediction, Scan Paper & PDF, ScreenRuler, Claroview, USB Version, Works with Vista
Make your PC Speak with a Human Voice
ClaroRead speaks back text as it is typed, allowing a student to check and proof-read their work quickly and easily. Text can be spoken at any point by highlighting individual sections of text and pressing Play - great for proofreading.
Close integration with Microsoft Word 2003 and 2007, and Internet Explorer 6 and 7 means you can click and play at any point in a document or web page.
A choice of male (RealSpeak Daniel) and female (Emily and Jane) human-sounding voices give clarity and dispense with the robotic quality of most computer voices.
Spoken words can be tracked using a custom colour selection. Any accessible text under the mouse can be spoken if needed.
A unique feature allows ClaroRead PLUS to echo back words and phrases dictated into any text processor or email application using Dragon NaturallySpeaking 8 and 9 (any version).
Make Audio files from text documents for listening to on your PC or a portable audio player. Simply Select and Save - great for revision or listening on the move. Audio quality has been further improved for 2007.
A Text to Speech Pronunciation Dictionary is available to modify the way words are pronounced if needed.
Integration with Microsoft Word 2003 & 2007
ClaroRead provides a single tool bar for use in Microsoft Word that combines a homophone and tricky word dictionary, font and spacing commands, a thesaurus , spell checker button and a save to audio function. All have clear graphic icons for ease of recognition.
Font and Colour Changing
When working in Microsoft Word, ClaroRead's Font Button allows you to modify the font size, type, and colour of the whole document very easily.
You can:
- Increase or decrease the font size.
- Change the font to one of 3 popular fonts with one click. The fonts can be chosen in the new ClaroRead Advanced Settings Editor.
- Change the colour of the text of a whole document and change the background colour of your PC easily.
Spacing
Text character, line and paragraph spacing using Microsoft Word menus requires some detailed knowledge. ClaroRead makes it simple to space out text, both in Word and on web pages using Internet Explorer 6 or 7. Pressing the Spacing Button when working in Word or Internet Explorer will help you:
- Expand spacing
- Change line spacing
- Changes the number of points (spaces) after the end of each paragraph.
Homophones and Tricky Words - Helping Choose the word
Homophones are words that are pronounced alike even if they differ in spelling or meaning, such as "pair" and "pear".
ClaroRead Homophone features will:
- Mark in colour all the homophones and confusable words in a document. Using the new Advanced Settings Editor, you can also add additional tricky and confusable words.
- The Check Feature will list alternative words that sound the same, along with the meaning of each word.
- Mark homophones in colour as you type.
Check Word - a single button press
ClaroRead provides a single Check Button for use in Microsoft Word that combines a homophone dictionary, thesaurus,reference dictionary and spellchecker, making the checking of your text and documents easier and more comprehensive.
If a word is a homophone the Homophone Check Box will appear, along with meanings. If the word has alternative words with the same or similar meaning, the Meaning Check Box will appear. You can then drill down further to see the dictionary definition. You can SpellCheck individual words or the whole of your document at any point.
The Check Boxes are fully speech enabled, so hovering the mouse over the words will make them speak. We also have over 1000 picture icons to help with word meanings.
Scan paper & Convert PDF files into Word (ClaroRead PLUS only)
Powerful optical character recognition (OCR) technology means that any paper document or PDF file becomes accessible. Through the integration of Omnipage 15 OCR engine, textbooks, photocopies and handouts are easily converted into Word documents. The text can then be spoken out by ClaroRead or edited. PDF files can also be unlocked and edited, opening a wealth of material for accessibility to every student, regardless of the format.
This feature works using all scanners with TWAIN or WIA compatible scanners.
Word Prediction
ClaroRead contains a word prediction feature, enhanced in the 2007 version, which can be useful for certain computer users. ClaroRead uses a base prediction dictionary consisting of the most frequently used words in the English language. The dictionary learns as you type, and rejects words that don't pass the automatic spellcheck.
The Prediction List will automatically appear by your cursor during typing. Alternatively, you can dock the Prediction windows anywhere on the screen to use it as a reference.
The ClaroRead Advanced Settings Editor now allows the creation of multiple Prediction Dictionaries, by importing words from existing documents. Ideal for creating subject and curriculum specific dictionaries, it puts the tool into the hands of the teacher.
Talking Calculator
ClaroRead adds a voice to the Windows Calculator. Enter the sum with the numeric keyboard and the figures will be echoed back to you.
The buttons on a standard and scientific calculator can also be spoken, providing the speech settings are enabled. In addition, figures from Microsoft Excel can be spoken when using the cursor keys to move around.
ScreenRuler Reading Bar - included with ClaroRead PLUS
ClaroRead PLUS includes the separate program ScreenRuler. ScreenRuler is a separate application that works as a reading bar and strip magnifier. This allows part of the PC screen to be highlighted and magnified in a horizontal band.
This will assist anyone with viewing and concentrating on text or objects. It provides a 'strip' or 'ruler' across the screen which can magnify, change contrast, and 'grey' or 'dim' a background.
ClaroView - included with ClaroRead PLUS
Our new tinting product ClaroView is now included on the ClaroRead PLUS CD. ClaroView act as as a coloured overlay for the PC.
New ClaroRead Premium includes a special portable ClaroRead USB memory stick version. Runs directly from the memory stick on any PC - no files installed. Includes a RealSpeak Voice. ClaroRead Premium also includes Mindfull concept mapping software solution.
System Requirements
- Windows Vista, XP, 2000
- Sound Card
- 512 MB RAM or more is recommended
- 250MB Hard Disk Space Maximum Required
- Scanner Supporting TWAIN or WIA Drivers requried for Scan2Text scan from paper.
- Microsoft Word 2000, XP, 2003 or 2007 recommended
