About
Co:Writer is a specialized assistive writing tool built to support students who face challenges with spelling, grammar, or written expression due to conditions like dyslexia, ADHD, or other learning disabilities. It uses topic-specific dictionaries and grammar-smart word prediction to anticipate what a student intends to write, dramatically reducing the cognitive load of composing text. As users type, Co:Writer suggests contextually relevant words, helping them construct sentences more accurately and efficiently. The tool also features built-in text-to-speech, allowing students to hear their writing read back to them, which supports proofreading and comprehension. Co:Writer's topic dictionaries span a wide range of academic subjects, making it suitable for use across curriculum areas from elementary through high school. Originally developed by Don Johnston Inc., Co:Writer was available as a web-based application and Chrome extension, making it accessible across devices used in modern classrooms. Following Texthelp's acquisition of Don Johnston Inc., the tool's core functionality has been merged into the broader Read&Write platform by Everway, with Co:Writer set to be officially retired on December 31, 2025. Co:Writer is best suited for special education teachers, students with IEPs, and schools seeking accessible, evidence-based writing support. Its deep focus on assistive technology and inclusive learning makes it a long-trusted resource in K-12 special education environments.
Key Features
- Grammar-Smart Word Prediction: Predicts contextually and grammatically appropriate words as students type, reducing spelling errors and cognitive load.
- Topic Dictionaries: Includes subject-specific vocabulary sets spanning math, science, social studies, and more to support academic writing across grade levels.
- Text-to-Speech Feedback: Reads written content aloud so students can hear their work and catch errors during the proofreading process.
- Web & Chrome Extension Access: Available as a browser-based tool and Chrome extension, making it accessible on school Chromebooks and other classroom devices.
- Special Education Integration: Designed to complement IEP accommodations and support students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning disabilities.
Use Cases
- Supporting K-12 students with dyslexia in completing written assignments with fewer spelling and grammar errors.
- Providing IEP-aligned writing accommodations in special education classrooms via word prediction and text-to-speech.
- Helping students with ADHD stay focused and productive during writing tasks by reducing the friction of composing sentences.
- Enabling cross-curriculum writing support with subject-specific topic dictionaries in science, math, and social studies.
- Assisting teachers in differentiating writing instruction for students at various ability levels in inclusive classroom settings.
Pros
- Purpose-Built for Accessibility: Specifically designed for students with learning disabilities, making it one of the most focused and effective assistive writing tools available.
- Cross-Curriculum Topic Support: Topic dictionaries cover a broad range of academic subjects, ensuring relevant word suggestions regardless of the assignment.
- Easy Classroom Deployment: Web-based and Chrome extension formats make rollout simple in Google Workspace and Chromebook-heavy school environments.
Cons
- Being Retired in 2025: Co:Writer as a standalone product will be retired on December 31, 2025, requiring users to transition to Read&Write for continued support.
- Limited to Educational Context: Designed primarily for K-12 students; less suitable for adult learners, higher education, or professional writing use cases.
- Paid Subscription Required: Access requires a paid license, which can be a barrier for underfunded schools or individual families without district support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Co:Writer?
Co:Writer is an AI-powered word prediction and assistive writing tool designed to help students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning disabilities write more accurately and independently using smart word suggestions and text-to-speech.
Is Co:Writer being discontinued?
Yes. Co:Writer will be retired on December 31, 2025. Everway (formerly Texthelp) is integrating its core features into the Read&Write literacy platform, so existing users are encouraged to transition to Read&Write.
What platforms does Co:Writer support?
Co:Writer is available as a web application and a Chrome extension, making it compatible with Chromebooks, Windows, and Mac computers used in school settings.
Who is Co:Writer designed for?
Co:Writer is designed for K-12 students who struggle with writing due to learning disabilities such as dyslexia or ADHD. It is commonly used in special education programs as part of IEP accommodations.
What replaces Co:Writer after it is retired?
Everway's Read&Write platform will incorporate the word prediction and writing support features previously available in Co:Writer, providing a unified literacy tool for educators and students.
