Rebecca Hyman EDIT 618

Professor Gura Spring 2020

Assistive Technology Project #2

WordQ is an assistive technology application to support students with disabilities as

writers. This multi-feature application is customizable to fulfill a variety of purposes. Students
would use this in conjunction with most instructional settings, as it serves as a supplemental tool
for writing. It functions both on and offline, and helps students by providing word prediction,
speech feedback, and proofreading modes. Additionally, it has integrated ThoughtQ technology
which enables the platform to help students research and write about any topic. Another feature
pertaining to adaptive technology for instruction is WordQ’s PDF function which allows students
to open and manipulate any PDF. This can assist with filling out forms, tests, writing
assignments- right onto a PDF document. This software may be particularly successful for
students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, processing issues, Occupational Therapy needs, and
more. WordQ’s software works seamlessly with any word processor, such as Microsoft Word, or
Google Docs on any model of MacOS, up to Mac OSX Mojave.

WordQ can be provided by a school or district through the office of Special Education.
Students can access this with Individualized Education Plans or 504s. Families can also
purchase personal plans so that their student can continue accessing these supports at home,
too. Quillsoft, the creators of WordQ, offer a free trial, and different licensing options. The
license types include a $75.00 one-year purchase, and a $199.00 permanent purchase.
Quillsoft is a leader in the industry of assistive technology. “Quillsoft began as a start-up from a
group of university and hospital research labs and the Ontario Rehabilitation Technology
Consortium with a shared goal of bringing effective rehabilitation through technology into the
hands of those that need it.” The website goes on to explain that Quillsoft can support all
learners, inclusive of primary and secondary education, people with careers, and even retirees!
Their objective is to design and develop “reading and writing literacy software tools that; make it
easier to communicate effectively with others, aid in understanding written language, and level
the playing field for people of all ages, around the world (Quillsoft, 2019).”

In collaboration with the school assessment team, an assistive technology specialist can
provide training and professional development for teachers, students and parents. Likely, if
assistive technology was novice to a scholar, WordQ would be administered on a trial basis.
This would allow for ongoing evaluation of effectiveness for the individual student. After the trial
period, a representative from the school assessment team or the AT Specialist would collect
formative data about the students’ fluency and accessibility in navigating and utilizing WordQ
with proficiency. This will allow the team to determine next steps for the learner. In addition to
in-person training, users can access 24/7 support online at https://www.quillsoft.ca/support.
There, you can read frequent questions and answers, tutorials, customer support, and a variety
of other resources.

To better understand WordQ’s functionality to accommodate specific learning goals of

students with learning challenges, it is important to be aware of the definition of assistive
technology. “Assistive technology devices are identified in the IDEA 2004 as: Any item, piece of
equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or
customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of children
with disabilities (Georgia Department of Education, 2019).” Microsoft.com breaks down assistive
technology platforms into six different accessibility categories. The categories include, Hearing,
Vision, Neurodiversity, Learning, Mobility, and Mental Health. WordQ serves as an assistive
technology tool to support students with Vision, Learning, and Neurodiversity needs. Georgia
Department of Education elaborates upon these categories. Below are the categories WordQ
fits with.

● Academic and Learning Aids: Electronic and non-electronic aids such as calculators,
spell checkers, portable word processors, and computer-based software solutions that
are used by students who has difficulty achieving in the educational curriculum
● Augmentative Communication: Electronic and non-electronic devices and software
solutions that provide a means for expressive and receptive communication for students
with limited speech and language
● Computer Access and Instruction: Input and output devices, alternative access aids,
modified or alternative keyboards, switches, special software, and other devices and
software solutions that enable students with disabilities to use the classroom computer
● Visual Aids: Electronic and non-electronic aids such as magnifiers, talking calculators,
Braille writers, adapted tape players, screen reading software applications for the
computer, and Braille note-taking devices that assist students with visual impairments or
 blindness in accessing and producing information that is typically present in a visual
(print) modality.

WordQ is worth the investment. Quillsoft’s framework has inclusion at its’ core, and their
products reflect that in every feature and use. “Concepts like self-esteem, confidence, and
belonging are hard to picture, but they’re integral to our health and happiness. They can’t be
seen or touched, but we at Quillsoft firmly believe that they are some of the real benefits and
lasting rewards that can be realized by being able to understand, communicate, and express
yourself effectively through reading and writing (Quillsoft, 2019).” WordQ can empower learners
at all stages of life, from a young age, to college and career readiness and beyond!
Bibliography:

● Definition of Assistive Technology. (2019). Retrieved from

http://www.gpat.org/georgia-project-for-assistive-technology/pages/assistive-technology-
definition.aspx
● Microsoft Accessibility. (2020). Retrieved from
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/
● Quillsoft. (2019). Retrieved from Quillsoft Ltd. https://www.quillsoft.ca/quillsoft