Text to Speech Programs

The concept of Text to Speech Software or TTS Software was first conceived in the 1950's. It processes written text into spoken words. Many operating systems come preloaded with text to speech capability. There are also many sites that offer free downloadable software. These text to speech programs may not include as many features as the ones you have to pay for, but they do basically the same thing for free. AT&T even has website on which you can enter information that can be read aloud. This sofware is becoming so main stream that most government ran websites have accessibility sections where articles and important information are available in audio format.

Which students will benefit from this software:

• Students that have limited field of vision. They can use this software to read documents to them. There are many free websites that you can copy and paste text to and it will be read it aloud to you. Tumble Books is an online library with many books you can download and have read to you. It's a website offered to schools with books ranging many age levels.


• Students with dyslexia can type a paper in a word processor and the computer can read it back to them making proofreading easier. They may also have it read stories, etc... by making the speech slower and easier for them to understand. Also some programs make it easier for them to follow along by highlighting the text while the story is being read aloud.



• Struggling readers will also benefit from the text being highlighted as it is read aloud and being able to slow down the speech. They are also able to go to Dictionary.com and type in one of their language arts vocabulary words and see the definition and here how it is pronounced. Leap Frog has books that can be read to students by pushing the pen to the page and then the students can follow along. They also have interactive games to help children learn to read.



• Non verbal students or students with speech impairments can benifit from this technology by having an opportunity to communicate with others their thoughts and feelings. They can participate in class by reading along with the class out loud or by giving a report or presentation.



• ESL students reading may improve by using this technology in the same way as struggling readers. There are some programs that will also read the text in another language. They can have it read in their language first and then read it again in english and by doing so may be able to learn it easier.

There are many devices called Augmentative Alternative Communication Devices that are portable text to speech communication aids. DynaVox, LightWRITERs, SpringBoard, Pathfinder, and Tuff Talker are all examples of augmentative alternative communication devices. These can be adapted for those who are not only non verbal, but also have mobility impairment. Stephen Hawking is one of the most famous people we know who uses a text to speech device. He uses a voice synthesizer that he controls with a wand on his glasses that is activated by his cheek. His setup uses predictive text which allows him to choose the first few letters and then the software predicts the word. He can then type out what he wants to say and that is converted into the synthesized voice we hear. A student I spoke about in one of my podcasts uses a preloaded DynaVox and an eye gaze to choose which words he wishes to speak.

The text to speech software can be used by anyone. Teachers can use it to record assignments, stories, etc... for their students. The parents can use it to listen to the assignments the teacher has given the student or other information from the teacher. They can then listen to it while they are driving to work, preparing dinner, doing laundry, etc... The students can also use it in many other ways than what I have listed above. You don't have to be a student, teacher, or parent to use this software. There are so many ways it can be adapted to use in just about anyone's life.

There are a couple of drawbacks to text to speech. The first problem is how long it takes for people with limited typing skills or mobility impairments to type what they would like to say. Stephen Hawkins was once asked a question and it took him seven minutes to answer. This is why he usually has speechs already prepared. The second problem is the computerized sounding voice. There are many new voices available and with different accents, but you can usually tell that they do not sound human. I think even with these issues, I strongly believe that this is a very benefical tool.

Student with Autism using DynaVox to communicate.

An example of how you can use free text to speech software