Breme Write Right

overview

Breme Write Right is a word processor/spellchecker specifically designed for people with dyslexia or with general poor spelling. The key to this product is the way that the built-in spellchecker operates. Words are checked against the database in a phonetic way. Thus typing “dubl” into Write Right brings up a list of possible words, which has “double” on it. To further aid weak spellers some of the listed words will have illustrations to help with identification of the correct word. Users can also listen to the words on the list which is an obvious boon to dyslexics. Additionally the program automatically detects similar sounding words like 'their' and 'there' as they are typed and immediately brings up a window illustrating alternative spellings and meanings.

The program can be tweaked to suit individual users. There are options to set the level of help provided, choose a voice to read text back and set up the retype function. This function means the user must retype the corrected word using the supplied correct spelling. This may be useful for poor spellers as it will reinforce the spelling rules, but most dyslexics, who find copying laborious and error prone, will turn this feature off. Users have a further option in that the colour of the background and the text can both be altered. Many dyslexics find certain colour combinations easier to work with and this caters for that facet.

The interface is simplified with fewer icons to search through on the tool bar. The “hints” that appear when the mouse hovers over an icon are also useful, with messages such as “align right” being replaced with the more straightforward “Makes the typing line up to the right”.

This program is extremely good value and many parents might wish to purchase a copy for home use. A free 30 day trial is available from the website http://www.bremesoftware.com/