It works by combining (a) customizable input screens of Saltillo's DesktopChat, (b) patented screen-reading technology from Point-and-Read, Inc. and (c) a new easily understood interface. Point-and-Chat takes the skills that a user of a communication device has already mastered for producing the spoken word. It then provides scaffolding that will enable the user to apply those skills to communicate with the written word - even if the user cannot read.

You produce text by using a customizable input screen (see right side of screen shot). That text is automatically copied into the Instant Messaging interface. At that point the message is ready to be sent, as soon as you activate the "SEND" button. Any incoming message is automatically read out loud by the computer. Icons or photos are used to tell the tabbed conversations apart.