Read-aloud and writing support software
At Odisee, we want our education is accessible to everyone. That is why we offer all students software that can read text aloud and support them with writing.
This software can:
- read text and webpages aloud;
- help with spelling and word prediction;
- look up words;
- read and edit digital books and PDF files;
- highlight text and create summaries.
Do you need additional support? You may also be able to use this software during exams and tests.
Microsoft 365 accessibility tools
- These tools are available in Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams and other apps. All students can use them.
- You do not need to request or install them separately.
- Examples include:
- Immersive Reader: reads text and webpages aloud, includes a picture dictionary and can translate into more than 100 languages. Read more.
- Dictation: turns spoken words into written text. Read more.
- Accessibility settings: adapt apps to your needs, for example with live captions or colour filters. Read more.
You can also use Copilot Chat to support your learning. For example, you can use it to create summaries or practice questions. Find out more in the AI for Students e-course.
Important: You may not use these tools during exams unless this has been clearly allowed in advance. See Article 64 of the Education and Examination Regulations.
TextAid
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TextAid is specialised read-aloud software.
TextAid may be useful if:
- you want to use read-aloud and writing support software during exams;
- you want to type an exam that other students complete on paper;
- you want additional features designed for people with dyslexia, such as highlighting both words and sentences while they are read aloud, or word prediction with audio;
- you need help reading study materials in different types of files, including Excel files, PDFs, PDFs containing images of text, and protected textbooks.
Below are two screenshots of TextAid.
TextAid
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TextAid:
- can be used to take exams with read-aloud and writing support software, and to type exams that other students complete on paper;
- can read different types of files, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, ePub and PDF files. This includes inaccessible PDFs and protected textbooks;
- has features designed specifically for people with dyslexia, including:
- Dual highlighting: highlights both sentences and individual words while the text is read aloud.
- OCR: converts PDFs containing images of text and protected digital textbooks into readable text.
- Dictionary and word prediction: these are integrated into the text editor. A spell checker is also available.
- Reading ruler and highlighters: help you analyse texts and create summaries.
- can save summaries as MP3 audio files;
- can turn spoken words into text. This feature is also available in Microsoft 365.
Microsoft 365 has some features that TextAid does not have
- Translation: automatically translates into more than 100 languages. TextAid only translates into English, German, French and Spanish.
- Picture dictionary
- Parts of speech and syllables: Immersive Reader can highlight parts of speech and split words into syllables.
- Integration with Office apps: Microsoft 365 tools are built into Word, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams and Office Lens. They also offer other accessibility options, such as eye control, colour filters and live captions. When you use TextAid for reading and studying, you work in a separate app.
- Reading progress and feedback in Teams: you can read a text aloud and receive feedback on your pace, pronunciation and accuracy.
Just for Studying?
If you want to use TextAid for classes and assignments, you need a TextAid account.
Request your TextAid account here.
In that case, you need disability status with one or more of the following reasonable adjustments:
- having exam or test questions read aloud by software;
- typing your answers on a laptop;
- using word prediction and spell checking.
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Do you want to use TextAid during assessments, but don’t yet have a disability status?
Check this page to see if you’re eligible for a disability status.
- If you are eligible, follow the steps to apply for the status.
- Make sure you apply on time. The deadlines are:
- 15 October for the first semester;
- 25 February for the second semester.
- The student support coordinator will review your application. If your status is approved, the coordinator will invite you to a meeting.
- During this meeting, you will discuss which adjustments you need. Make sure you mention that you need one or more of the adjustments listed above.
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Do you already have a disability status but don’t have a TextAid account yet?
- Do you already have disability status with one of the following adjustments: having questions read aloud by software, typing on a laptop, or using word prediction and spell checking? If you do not yet have a TextAid account, you can apply for one.
Request your TextAid account here.
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You will receive a voucher code and instructions on how to activate your account.
- Before your assessments start, you will receive an email explaining how to tell us which assessments you want to take using these adjustments. Odisee will make sure that you can take these assessments on your own laptop.
- Read the next section to find out how to prepare for an exam or test using these adjustments.
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Do you already have a disability status and a TextAid account?
- If you already have both disability status and a TextAid account, you will receive an email before your assessments start.
- The email will explain how to tell us which assessments you want to take using these adjustments. Odisee will make sure that you can take these assessments on your own laptop.
- Read the next section to find out how to prepare for an exam or test using these adjustments.
Do you have a disability status that includes one or more of these accommodations?
- having exam or test questions read aloud by software;
- typing on a laptop;
- word prediction and spell check. (Note: You may not use this accommodation if the exam or test assesses your spelling ability.)
- Prepare well for exams and tests
- Find out how the exam or test will work.
Watch the knowledge clips about accessibility tools. -
Install Schoolyear on your laptop.
Knowledge clip 2a explains how to do this.Knowledge clips: Taking exams with screen-reading and text-assistance software
- Find out how the exam or test will work.
- Memorize your TextAid login and password.
You’ll need them for some exams or tests.
- What should you bring to the exam or test?
- your own laptop;
- your charger;
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preferably, proof of your approved adjustments. This allows you to show that you are entitled to assessment adjustments if a lecturer or invigilator asks.
- Are you using read-aloud software during the exam or test? If so, please also bring:
- wired earbuds (no Bluetooth earbuds);
- or headphones from the learning center. Reserve them in advance via Cheqroom.
- Wi-Fi during the exam or test
Please note: During the exam or test, use the “campusroam” Wi-Fi network. Otherwise, the read-aloud software will not work.
Your TextAid account is valid for one academic year.
Would you like to use the same account in the next academic year? If so, please request a renewal before December 15.
Request an extension for your TextAid account here.
If you do not request a renewal by December 15, your account will be deleted.
Would you still like to use TextAid after that? If so, you’ll need to request a new voucher.
- You can find more information about Microsoft 365's accessibility tools via the links above.
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Learn more about TextAid on the Woordhelder website.
Where can I go with questions?
- If you're having trouble activating or using TextAid, please contact Academic Software’s help center via chat, email, or phone. If they cannot solve the problem, please submit your question to the service desk.
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Students and colleagues with questions about disability status and reasonable adjustments can contact the student support coordinator on their campus.You can find more information here.