When composing text based documents, word prediction software can assist those with difficulty writing or editing by offering predictions for appropriate words consistent with the context.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For people with learning disabilities, motor or communication impairments or those using English as a second language, that may have difficulty spelling or choosing a word suitable for their document or difficulty simply using input devices to input data, most word prediction software can assist by:
- giving examples of how confusing words are used to allow an appropriate choice
- giving verbal feedback on possible mistakes or for choices of words to fit the context
- giving word predictions based on a range of spelling
- expanding abbreviations or sentence completion
- predicting spelling by alphabetical means, frequency of use, phonetic spelling or common mistakes such as letter omissions or inclusions
- capacity to add to dictionaries as words are used
- use within spreadsheets, databases, word processors or web based browsers.
Other software options to assist with composition and proof reading of documents include:
References
goQ (no date specified), WordQ & SpeakQ, goQ, Ontario, viewed 7 August 2011, http://www.goqsoftware.com/writing-products/.
Spectronics 2011, Word Prediction Software Comparison Chart, Spectronics Australia, Rochedale, viewed 7 August 2011, http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/library.asp?article=22248.