Quillsoft - the creators of WordQ, supporting literacy improvement one word at a time

Personalized learning is key to equitable education. Nisai Quillsoft combines leading educational practices, support, and technology to empower learners of all ages and backgrounds on their literacy, education, and career journeys.

  • Empowering Independence

    We firmly believe that personal independence in communication and expression is one of the real benefits and lasting rewards that can be attained by reducing the barriers to reading and writing.

  • Backed by 25 Years of R&D

    Our multidisciplinary team has over 25 years of experience in creating exceptional assistive technology. Combining evidence-based practice with patented solutions, we continue to raise the bar for literacy at school, home, and at work.

  • Software with Impact

    Our literacy software tools help individuals to get their ideas down easily in written form, to read, and to communicate effectively. This includes persons with physical disabilities, those with neurodiversity, and in general, anyone who faces barriers to reading and writing for any reason.

Supporting more than a child’s academic progress, improved literacy also supports their wellbeing

Improved literacy leads to greater self-confidence, higher self-esteem, and expanded opportunities. As individuals of all ages gain the confidence to become independent learners, they move from being mere spectators to active participants in their own learning journey.

Our users and students development and personal achievements are based on knowledge, commitment and a team who strive to make a difference. The collaboration between Quillsoft and Nisai is built on core values and a sustained approach to promote inclusion and equitbale education.

  • Toronto based, Quillsoft Ltd and UK based Nisai Group were individually awarded a Global Inclusion Award by the International Forum of Inclusion Practitioners. Presented in January 2025, the award recognizes the outstanding contributions both organisations have made to promoting inclusion. The awards looked at three key areas:

    • An overview of the organization, where we came from, what we do and where we are heading.

    • How the initiative promotes inclusion?

    • How we evidence the impact our solutions make?

  • Quillsoft and its flagship product, WordQ, are distinctly Canadian in both origin and ongoing development. Quillsoft was founded in Toronto by Dr. Fraser Shein in partnership with the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, where WordQ was first developed in the late 1990s to support individuals with reading and writing challenges.The company remains headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, and continues to serve Canadian schools and users nationwide, with a strong focus on bilingual support for both English and French speakers.Their commitment to inclusive literacy solutions reflects Canadian values of diversity and accessibility

  • WordQ fully supports both English and French across all its versions, providing state-of-the-art word prediction and text-to-speech features in each language. Users can switch between English and French vocabularies, making it ideal for bilingual environments or for those learning either language.

    WordQ offers customizable vocabularies and proofreading modes in both languages, helping users catch errors and improve writing quality.

    WordQ’s support extends to all platforms-Windows, macOS, iPadOS, and Chrome-ensuring consistent bilingual functionality for students, professionals, and anyone seeking accessible writing and reading support in English and French

  • Nisai, a specialist online education provider holds a number of accreditations and approvals that include:

    • Section 41 approved provider by the UK Department for Education of education to learners with Special Education Needs and Disabilities

    • Inclusion Quality Mark “Centre of Excellence” status

    • Cambridge International Virtual Online School

    • Pearson Virtual Online Centre

  • WordQ is an assistive technology tool designed to support reading and writing for individuals facing learning barriers, such as students with learning differences or those acquiring a new language. This supports the principles of making the individual an active participant in their learning rather than a  mere spectator. It features intelligent word prediction, text-to-speech, speech recognition, and proofreading, helping users find and correct mistakes, expand vocabulary, and improve comprehension without judgment or pressure. 

    WordQ’s approach exemplifies intelligent assistance (IA): it actively supports users in performing tasks, enhancing their abilities and independence, but always keeps the individual in control.

    In contrast, artificial intelligence (AI) focuses on creating systems that can mimic or replicate human intelligence, often operating autonomously to solve complex problems, make decisions, or learn from data. 

    While intelligent assistance like WordQ augments an individual’s capability within defined boundaries, artificial intelligence aims for broader autonomy and adaptability, sometimes functioning independently of direct human input

     WordQ is described as intelligent assistance (IA), encouraging active participation and independence in reading and writing, rather than functioning as AI that completes tasks for the user. This approach fosters confidence, self-reliance, and effective communication

Nisai Quillsoft draws on more than 50 years of combined experience to support, develop, and empower learners of all ages

Nisai and Quillsoft’s joint experience combines inclusive online education with innovative assistive technology, creating a powerful support system for learners of all ages. Together, we offer holistic, personalized learning, boosting literacy, confidence, and independence for students with diverse needs.

WordQ has helped me to find my voice.
— Olivia Barr, WordQ User, New Zealand
WordQ allows all students to broaden communication, build confidence and independence.
— Frank Napoli, Special Needs Facilitator, Canada
I have been working in the field of assistive technology for over 30 years and have always been impressed with the ease of use of WordQ and the difference it can make in the lives of students that I work with.
— Brian Friedlander, Professor of Education, USA

Nisai Quillsoft building knowledge, skills and improving effectiveness in the workplace

Literacy underpins workplace standards. CEFR-aligned English programs with live instruction and WordQ support professional language growth. Using job-specific word banks, WordQ connects individuals’ practical knowledge to written communication, providing both foundational learning and ongoing support for workplace skills

Quillsoft Customers