Read and Write is literacy support software that helps with reading, writing, and understanding text. It offers tools that support users who have difficulty with reading or writing.
Key Features
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Text to speech that reads content aloud on your screen
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Word prediction that suggests words as you type
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Spell check that finds and corrects mistakes as you type
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Vocabulary tools with definitions and synonyms
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Highlighters and sticky notes to organize and mark important text
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Automatic text summaries
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Translation tools for different languages
Privacy Notice
Thompson Rivers University follows the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).
TRU offers the Read and Write Take Home version for free. It includes text to speech, dictionaries, prediction tools, highlighters, a personal vocabulary list, and spelling and grammar checking. The TRU licence allows installation on personal devices.
Read and Write works on Windows, Mac, Chromebooks, and iPads. The Android version is not fully supported.
Using this service is voluntary. When you use the software, you enter a personal agreement with Texthelp. Review the Texthelp End User Licence Agreement and Privacy Policy:
https://www.texthelp.com/en-us/policies/terms-of-service/
https://www.texthelp.com/en-us/policies/privacy/
To register, TRU collects your personal email address under section 26(c) of FIPPA. TRU shares this information with Texthelp outside Canada so you can use the licence. Texthelp does not store this information.
You must install the Read and Write app from the Microsoft Store or Chrome Web Store to use the Take Home version on your own device. After registration, TRU users gain access by signing in with the Microsoft option. Signing in with Google or another personal login will not activate the TRU licence.
TRU recommends signing in with your TRU Microsoft 365 account:
Students: TRU ID number followed by @mytru.ca (example: T00123456@mytru.ca)
Employees: username followed by @tru.ca (example: jsmith@tru.ca)
When you use a personal platform account to sign in, that service may collect information such as preferred voice settings, languages, features used, IP addresses, device details, and browsing activity. Check cookie settings and app permissions to limit this collection.
For questions about the privacy notice or accessibility support, contact:
as@tru.ca
privacy@tru.ca
Install Read and Write
TRU provides free access for all students, faculty, and staff.
Add installation screenshots, download buttons, or short video clips for clarity.
Choose your device to begin installation:
The first time you open Read and Write, a browser window often appears to activate the software. If it does not appear, click the Read and Write icon to open the activation page.
Sign in with the same TRU Microsoft 365 account you use for other TRU services. A Microsoft 365 login is required to use premium features.
If Microsoft 365 is not installed, instructions are available at:
https://www.tru.ca/its/software/office365.html
Optional Browser Extensions
You can add extra tools in your browser by installing these extensions:
Training and Support
For help learning how the tools work, use the Read and Write training resources:
Read and Write for Windows YouTube playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcacfC7FAMswuMp3nqZM5_YLES0xPQB1n
Accessibility Services Resources page:
https://www.tru.ca/accessibilityservices/resources.html
Technical support from Texthelp:
support@texthelp.ca
Texthelp Support Forum:
https://support.texthelp.com
For TRU training or assistive technology questions, contact:
as@tru.ca
Additional Support
For further assistance with Read and Write, visit the Texthelp Support Page:
https://support.texthelp.com
If you experience sign in or TRU account issues, contact TRU IT Service Desk:
📧 itservicedesk@tru.ca
🔗 https://tru.ca/itsportal