Computer-Based Assistive Technology

There are many software programs for standard personal computers that can be used to have the computer speak the text that the individual cannot decode. This is commonly called text-to-speech. The computer will need to have a voice output capability and software that translates the printed word into synthesized speech.

Research has shown that text-to-speech software that highlights the words that are being spoken helps readers improve comprehension, fluency, and accuracy and increases concentration. Word recognition skills also improve because the color highlighting captures the reader’s attention and helps him focus on the word being read.

Software that can be used to read material that has been scanned in or typed in to the computer include:

Free text to speech software:

ReadPlease (http://www.readplease.com) offers both a free program that can be downloaded from their website and a plus version for sale. It uses the Microsoft voices, Mike, Mary and Sam. The user can customize font and background color and the voice speed.

Awesome Library for Students (http://www.awesomelibrary.org/student.html) also offers a free screen reader that can be downloaded.

Talking word processing software also speaks text, but is designed to be used to produce text rather than read existing text. It can, however, be used for text to speech purposes. (Examples include Write:OutLoud from Don Johnston, Inc. and IntelliTalk 3 from IntelliTools).