Users see the word displayed in large characters, hear the word read from the built-in speaker or earphones, and are able to define the word. It recognizes over 400,000 words. The Reading Pen is not designed to teach reading or to remediate reading difficulties. It is for helping people decode words through its computerized speech. Writing with Symbols 2000 is a versatile support program for developing reading, writing, and communication skills.
Teachers can use the program to create picture materials for non-readers.
Students can use it for picture-supported writing and communication on the computer. It has speech feedback, highlighting, and over 8,000 pictures to transition students from pictures to line symbols. An add-on reinforcment program to Writing with Symbols or Boardmaker is PCS Sign Language Libraries. This comprehensive teaching system integrates reading tools such as flash cards, a workbook, CD-ROMs, and printed story books. The program covers letter recognition, letter sounds, phonics, building words and sentences, and reading comprehension.