Transforming literacy for every learner at Pittsburgh Public Schools
Discover how one of the nation’s largest districts is closing literacy gaps and empowering students using Read&Write and OrbitNote to support every learner.
Increased student engagement, independence and confidence
Stronger digital literacy skills that prepare students for the future
Accessible, grade-level content for every learner
Our tools have been trusted by over 250 million people worldwide, including education leaders, districts and more
Literacy access for all
20,000 students across 54 schools
From Pre-K to 12th grade, including neurodivergent and multilingual learners, Pittsburgh students are using Read&Write to build confidence, independence, and lifelong literacy skills. Hear directly from Pittsburgh Public Schools educators and leaders on how they’ve transformed literacy access for thousands of students.
Educational leaders
- Drive system-wide inclusion initiatives with easy installation
- Improve student engagement and outcomes
Teachers
- Get easy-to-use tools that work together
- Support diverse learners without slowing down instruction
- Make grade-level content accessible for everyone
Parents/caregivers
- Help students feel more confident and independent
- See learners reach their full potential and flourish at school
Supporting student needs starts with understanding the barriers
Today’s classrooms are more diverse than ever. Investing in assistive technology is more than just buying tools. It's about shaping a better future so everyone has the chance to succeed.
1 in 10 students has dyslexia. This brings challenges with reading and writing and leads to low self-esteem.
36% of us have struggled with some form of literacy during education.
15-20% of people are neurodivergent. That means 1 in 5 have conditions like ADHD, autism, or dyslexia.
Reading challenges make learning harder
Many students struggle to read grade-level text, which can lower their confidence and engagement at school.
Writing difficulties hold students back
Problems with spelling, sentence structure, or getting ideas down on paper can stop students from sharing their thoughts.
Teachers need easy-to-use tools that work together
Educators often have a variety of tools that don’t connect well, making it tough to give consistent support.
The Read&Write difference
Read&Write offers flexible reading and writing support for every student. Whether they need text read aloud, help with word choice, or tools to organize their thinking, Read&Write is there to help. It's built to support neurodivergent learners while benefiting every student in the classroom.
Educators at Pittsburgh Public Schools notice:
- A rise in assignment and homework submissions
- More students staying in class and learning alongside their peers
- Students independently accessing curriculum, with no workaround needed
What OrbitNote brings to the classroom
OrbitNote turns static PDFs into interactive, accessible, and collaborative documents. Students can highlight, type, comment, or use voice notes, whether they’re working together or independently.
Educators at Pittsburgh Public Schools notice:
- Easier collaboration between students
- Better access for students with low vision or processing needs
- More time for teachers to focus on teaching, not paperwork
Student impact
Helping students see, hear, and understand words
Read&Write and OrbitNote combine audio, visual, and spoken input to help build word recognition and fluency. This is especially helpful for students at Pittsburgh Public Schools working with high-frequency vocabulary. Key features include:
- Text & Picture Dictionaries
- Talk&Type
- Text-to-Speech
Helping students see, hear, and understand words
Read&Write and OrbitNote combine audio, visual, and spoken input to help build word recognition and fluency. This is especially helpful for students at Pittsburgh Public Schools working with high-frequency vocabulary. Key features include:
- Text & Picture Dictionaries
- Talk&Type
- Text-to-Speech
Educator impact
Improving student engagement and reducing classroom disruptions
Teachers share how they can now spend less time making adjustments and managing behavior. Read&Write and OrbitNote help students access materials in ways that meet their needs, reducing disruption and removing barriers. Some tools that support this are:
- Screen Masking
- Text-to-Speech
- Customized settings
Improving student engagement and reducing classroom disruptions
Teachers share how they can now spend less time making adjustments and managing behavior. Read&Write and OrbitNote help students access materials in ways that meet their needs, reducing disruption and removing barriers. Some tools that support this are:
- Screen Masking
- Text-to-Speech
- Customized settings
Ready to close the literacy gap in your district?
Let’s talk about what’s possible for your students and district.
See how Read&Write can help every student access grade-level learning.
Fill out the form and we’ll be in touch soon.
We’ll arrange a time to talk and discuss your needs. We can discuss what worked for Pittsburgh Public Schools and how it could work for your school and students.
Daniel Kerins
Account Executive IV