I first looked at the WYNN software when my daughter (now in college) was in middle school. The 3.0 version available at that time (they're now on v5.1) just didn't offer enough for the money -- though I found their approach intriguing. I especially liked how you can customize the tool to suit the needs & preferences of different learners.

I'm now looking at it for my son, 11, as a tool for helping him cope with the massive amounts of non-fiction text on the web and, especially, in textbooks that he'll encounter as he moves toward high school and college. It's definitely come a long way since I looked at it 6-7 years ago. I'm also going to re-visit the Kurzweil 3000 software that is their direct competitor. When I last looked at these two tools, I had a strong preference for WYNN, but as I'm sure that they both have changed significantly and since I'm now considering it for a very different kind of dyslexic learner, I need to evaluate them both again.

Although we homeschool now, he's thinking (at least some of the time) that he will want to go to a public high school (followed by college). It seems to be an amazing tool for supporting both reading & note taking /research. Though pricey, I think it could be a worthwhile investment for us. or those in the public schools system, I have known of people who were able to get the school district to provide it for their child via the IEP process.

I'd be very interested to hear from anyone who has worked with either of there software packages.

Below my sig is the link to the WYNN website (Freedom Scientific), as well as a short excerpt from their product description page.

Lyndy Latta
====================

http://www.freedomscientific.com/LSG/products/wynn.asp

The WYNN™Literacy Software Solution

WYNN is the innovative literacy software tool designed to enhance success for individuals with reading challenges and writing difficulties. WYNN was developed with the help of special educators and individuals with learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and aphasia.

By using a bi-modal approach - simultaneous highlighting of the text as it is spoken - WYNN transforms printed text into understandable information that benefits readers of all ages including English Language Learners (ELL), struggling readers and children with ADD (attention deficit disorder) or ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorder).