Read&Write Gold ToolMatcher

Reposted with permission from blog.texthelp.com

Many schools looking for assistive technology supports that can benefit a wide range of students often turn to Read&Write Gold because of the quality and quantity of the features it contains. However, it is sometimes difficult to know which feature(s) may benefit a particular student the most. Because of this Texthelp developed a free online tool called Read&Write Gold ToolMatcher to help.

Screenshot of ToolMatcher


Here’s how it works…

  1. Go to www.toolmatcher.com
  2. A list of accommodations a student may need is listed. Simply scan through the list and put a check mark next to any accommodation the student requires.
  3. Click the “Show how Read&Write Gold can help” button towards the top right of the page to view a list of features that best match the user’s needs. You can click any feature to view a video tutorial of how it works and even download the entire list into a Word document to print or save.

ToolMatcher is great for schools who have just purchased Read&Write Gold and want ideas on how to start using it with individual students. It is also great to use for K-12 students who have an IEP and need supports relevant to their accommodations.

Another use for ToolMatcher is in IEP meetings. I remember years ago using an “AT Wheel” from CEC during IEP meetings to help determine which pieces of Assistive Technology may be best for a particular student. While Read&Write Gold is only one of many Assistive Technology options to consider, it does include features to support reading, writing, research, and organisational skills. If a school already has access to the software, using ToolMatcher during the IEP meeting can help team members make better decisions about how the software may be used.

Have you tried toolmatcher yet? If not, be sure to bookmark it at www.toolmatcher.com.

Jason Carroll

Jason first learned of Assistive Technology while working on his undergraduate degree where much of his spare time was spent assisting a regional education centre with basic technology needs. Amazed at how this technology could benefit so many students (particularly those he grew up with) he was hooked and immediately became an expert at the centre. After receiving his Masters, Jason returned to the coop to serve as a full time Assistive Technology Consultant serving over 200 schools in the central Kentucky Region. Since this time, Jason has trained thousands on Assistive Technology and Universal Design for Learning concepts throughout the United States and beyond. His focus is on integrating research based practices into the work he does and helping others ensure that what they are doing works. He specialises in assisting people to bridge the gap between operation of technology and actual implementation. Jason is a published author, has taught Instructional Technology and Universal Design for Learning at the University level, and spends a significant amount of time on e-Learning and blended learning initiatives. He is a graduate of the Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program (ATACP) from California State University at Northridge and holds a Masters in Business Administration. Currently Jason serves as Product Marketing Manager for North America at Texthelp Inc. where he oversees new product launches and speaks nationally on a variety of Assistive Technology topics.