News

PRESS RELEASE

County Antrim assistive technology specialist, Texthelp Systems (www.texthelp.com), is proud to announce that it has been shortlisted in the category of ’Special Educational Needs - including ICT’ at The Educational Resource (ERA) Awards 2010 - one of the most sought after awards in the education industry. Texthelp’s Read&Write GOLD software has been recognised for its ability to assist students of all ages who require extra assistance when reading or composing text, allowing them to develop their literacy skills. Visitors to Stand F68 at The Education Show 2010 (4-6 March) can talk to Texthelp about how its assistive technology can help schools.

Organised by the British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA) and Affinity Media, the ERAs highlight the quality and diversity of educational products and resources, excellent educational establishments and the most dedicated members of the teaching profession and supplies industry, all working together to encourage the very best in education.

Texthelp is a worldwide leader in literacy software solutions. It develops innovative, assistive software to support individuals with their reading, writing and research skills in education, the workplace and at home. Its software supports struggling readers, those with literacy difficulties, learning disabilities such as dyslexia, mild visual impairments and where English is a second language. Key features of its prime education product, Read&Write GOLD, includes text-to-speech, screen masking (to tint or mask sections of the screen), a phonetic spell checker, talking dictionary, word prediction, homophone support and an online translator.

Mark McCusker, CEO of Texthelp, commented: "I am delighted that our Read&Write GOLD software has been recognised as one of the best special education needs resources involving ICT. There are up to 250,000 learners in the UK who have reading and writing difficulties and we hope to continue developing our technologies to meet the needs of these individuals and make sure everyone has the same opportunities to learn and develop their skills."

Ray Barker, director of BESA, added: "What sets the Education Resource Awards apart is that they aim to make the lives of teachers easier, by testing and identifying the best resources available to today’s schools and classrooms. Schools can look to the finalists, and the soon-to be announced winners, as exemplary companies with practical products that are fit for purpose and provide real value for money."

Winners will be announced at the annual gala event at The Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham, on Friday 5 March, the second evening of the Education Show 2010.

For further information about Texthelp please contact Elaine Emerson, Marketing Manager, Texthelp, T: 028 9442 8105, E: e.emerson@texthelp.com, visit the website: www.texthelp.com or visit Stand F68 at The Education Show 2010.

Issued: 04.02.10 ENDS Ref: TH007