Readwalk reads text aloud while highlighting each word, which lets you follow along on screen or simply listen. People with dyslexia, ADHD, low vision or eye strain use it for articles, school and work PDFs, emails and printed pages scanned with the camera.
Readwalk is a reading tool, not a medical device or a treatment.
What helps
- Word-by-word highlighting. See each word as you hear it, so your eyes and ears stay together.
- Natural voices. Flat, robotic voices are tiring to listen to. Readwalk's voices sound like a person reading to you, which makes long listening easier.
- Your speed. Slow it to 0.75× for difficult material or speed it up to 3× for skimming.
- Less on screen. Articles are stripped of menus and clutter before they're read.
- Paper, too. Scan worksheets, letters and book pages with the camera.
Listening counts as reading
Research has found that people understand a book about as well by listening as by reading it (Rogowsky, Calhoun & Tallal, SAGE Open, 2016). For many readers, listening removes the bottleneck of decoding the words, leaving attention free for the ideas.
For students
Course readers, assigned articles and revision notes can all be played back on the way to class. Scan printed handouts and listen to them while you review your notes.
Frequently asked questions
Does Readwalk replace assistive technology my school provides?
It can work alongside it. Readwalk is a consumer iPhone app. For accommodations in exams, check what your school or exam board allows.
Can I follow along while it reads?
Yes. Each word is highlighted as it's spoken, and you can tap play and pause at any point. Many readers alternate: following the text for tricky passages and just listening for the rest.
