Text to speech is a computer synthesized application that translates electronic text to audio. Most electronic reading devices include a built-in voice synthesizer.

Built-in Text to Speech

• Alongside a slate of announcements made this morning, Microsoft has launched a new text-to-speech feature for Cortana in the Outlook app for iOS devices. With this feature, called 'Play My Emails.
• Voice-to-text is a helpful feature for those who are often out and about. And for those who have a Mac computer, you can take that feature and use it in your everyday workflow. The key is a built.

WikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 10 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time.

Macintosh Computers

Macintosh (Mac) computers contain assistive technology as standard features. For more information about Mac accessibility, please visit:
http://www.apple.com/accessibility or
http://www.apple.com/accessibility/macosx/vision.html.

Mac computers have an option to assign a key or combination of keystrokes that, when pressed, will speak highlighted text.

1. Turn on your Mac computer
2. Select System Preferences (click on the apple icon in the top left corner)
3. Select Speech
4. Adjust voice and speed
5. Select “Set Key” (Speak selected text when the key is pressed)
6. Type a key or key combination (SSD Mac computers use the “command” key plus the “s” key as a combination).
7. Select “Ok” to accept the keystroke or a combination of keystrokes.
8. Select “Ok” to exit this option.

Once a “speak” key is set the Mac computer will speak any highlighted text when the assigned keystroke or combination of keystrokes is pressed. To stop the speaking press the key or combination again.

Microsoft

Speak text to speech is a built-in feature of Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and OneNote, in the language of your version of Office. To activate this option please follow this link or follow the directions below:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word-help/using-the-speak-text-to-speech-feature-HA102066711.aspx.

To add the Speak command to your Microsoft Word Quick Access Toolbar

1. Open a word document.
2. Next to the Quick Access Toolbar, click the down arrow. The Customize Quick Access Toolbar will appear along with a list of choices.
3. Select More Commands (located directly under the title, Customize Quick Access Toolbar).
4. In the Choose commands from box click the down arrow. A list of options will appear. Choose All Commands (located near the top of the choices).
5. From the list of commands, scroll down to the Speak command, select Speak, and then click Add.
6. Click OK.

With the Speak command added to your Quick Access Tool, you can hear single words or blocks of text spoken, by highlighting the text you want to hear and then clicking the Speak icon.

To adjust the reading speed or change the voice (not always an option), go to Control Panel→Speech Recognition→Text to Speech (right-hand column) and make the adjustments. Remember to click Apply to make your changes.

Acrobat Adobe Reader Software Built-in Read Out Loud Option

Acrobat Adobe software contains a built-in text to speech option, Read Out Loud. Read Out Loud enables users to listen to PDF files.

1. Open PDF file.
2. At the top menu click View.
3. A list of options will appear. Select the last item, Read Out Loud.
4. A list of options will appear. Select Activate Read Out Loud.
5. Place cursor where you want Read Out Loud to start reading.
6. Select View; select Read Out Loud then select an option (I suggest Read this page only). Acrobat Reader will begin to read the page.

If you only want to hear specific paragraphs and not the whole page, then place the cursor and double click (A box should appear around the selected paragraph). Acrobat Reader will begin reading the selection.

Free Downloadable Text to Speech Options

NaturalReader

While NaturalReader sells text-to-speech products, they offer a free text to speech download available at www.naturalreaders.com.

• Can be used with any written text such as Word, text PDFs, websites and emails.
• Can adjust voice and reading rate settings.
• A mini task bar function is available.

WordTalk

WordTalk is a free plug-in for use with Microsoft Word documents, created in the United Kingdom.

Features (http://www.wordtalk.org.uk)

• Text to speech
• Highlighted text as it’s read
• Talking dictionary to help decide which word spelling is most appropriate.
• Choices of highlighting colors.
• Voice and reading rate options.
• Conversion option for wav or .mp3 files

Download the free version of WordTalk from http://www.wordtalk.org.uk.

• Natural sounding voices
• Highlights text as read
• Bookmarking available
• Optical character recognition (OCR) capabilities
• Dictionary/thesaurus
• Easy note taking options
• Convert to mp3 files

Balabolka

Balabolka is a free text to speech option available at http://balabolka.en.softonic.com/

• Can use with several file formats including Text: TXT, DOC, DOCX, FB2, PDF, HTML, RTF
• Audio: MP3, WMA, WAV, OGG.
• Can save text as wav, mp3, mp4, and wma files.
• Can use a variety of voices, both paid and free, from the internet.

Text to Speech Options Available for Purchase

NaturalReader

NaturalReader is a text to speech software with natural sounding voices.

• Easy to use
• Floating task bar available
• Highlights text as read
• Convert text to mp3 files option
• Voice and reading rate options
• Optical character recognition (OCR) capabilities when attached to a scanner

Organizations Providing Audio Books for People with Disabilities

Learning Ally and Bookshare are two organizations that provide accessible reading materials specifically for people with disabilities.

Learning Ally is a not for profit organization providing thousands of textbooks, read by volunteers. SSD students with print-related disabilities can contact Learning Ally for more information about becoming a member. For more information please contact the SSD office or visit Learning Ally at www.learningally.org.

Bookshare is a not for profit organization with thousands of books available in different electronic formats. Membership is free. For more information please contact the SSD office or visit Bookshare at www.bookshare.org.

Free Outlook For Mac

What is a Text To Speech.

Existing TTS applications consist of voice-enabled e-mail and also talked motivates in voice action systems. There are many TTS products offered, including Read Please 2000, Proverbe Speech Unit, and Next Up Technology’s TextAloud. Lucent, Elan, and also AT&T each have products called “Text-to-Speech.”.

In addition to TTS software application, a variety of suppliers provide items entailing hardware, including the Quick Link Pen from WizCom Technologies, a pen-shaped device that can check and read words; the Road Runner from Ostrich Software, a handheld gadget that checks out ASCII message; and also DecTalk TTS from Digital Equipment, an external hardware gadget that replacements for a audio card and that includes an interior software program gadget that operates in combination with the COMPUTER’s own sound card.

As school students, methods as well as parents alike should be aware of the sources available to them as they prepare to deal with a new grade, new year, as well as brand-new knowing difficulties. Text-to-speech software is usually a vital resource for trainees with dyslexia– to assist reading, promote understanding, as well as enhance total literacy abilities. Here are 10 useful text-to-speech software application and also applications that are great assistive technology tools to contend the begin of the academic year.

What the research claims regarding text-to-speech.

Regardless of the expanding appeal, the research study on text to speech is somewhat vague.

While this technology permits students to access the classroom material, some scientists have actually found blended results on just how well pupils have the ability to comprehend the text being read to them (Dalton & Strangman, 2006). Furthermore, an additional group of researchers found that text-to-speech modern technologies did not influence teenage trainees ability to understand the reading, however the pupils did record that they value the raised self-reliance that the TTS software program gave them (Meyer, 2014).

One study located that students who have actually been diagnosed with dyslexia did benefit from the use of TTS software. This group supplied students training in TTS software in a small-group style for six weeks, and saw renovations in motivation to check out, boosted comprehension, and also boosted fluency (White, 2014). In a similar way, positive results were discovered in an additional research in which TTS was discovered to be efficient in permitting students to access the reading material as well as was additionally perceived positively by the trainees that used it, specifically pupils in qualities 6-8.

Getting the most out of text-to-speech. Copyless 1 7 7.

While the research is clearly mixed, there are some ways to ensure that TTS will certainly help your pupils. One such consideration would be to make sure that students discover the right TTS voice. Having a high quality TTS voice that seems similar to a human voice will improve analysis understanding; the much less robotic, the much better (Cunningham, 2011). To preview various TTS voices as well as aid determine which one is most prefered by your trainee, go to the Acapela Group site to listen to alternatives.

One more major consideration is the speed at which the computer presents the text. Several students will certainly set the voice to extremely high speeds to get the readings done as fast as feasible, nonetheless it has actually been shown that having the computer existing words at a price between 140-180 words per minute is an ideal rate for students (Cunningham, 2003, Cunningham, 2011). When selecting a text-to-speech program, you need to choose one that has a bi-modal reading setup. Bi-modal analysis is when the computer highlights the presented word as it exists aloud (Montali & Lewandowski, 1996). Presenting words aesthetically as well as auditorily aids the trainee concentrate on the analysis task as well as encourages deeper understanding.

Finally, when making use of a TTS program, just choose a percentage of message at any one time. If a student chooses too much message at once they might lose emphasis mid-stream which will adversely affect understanding.

For keeping reading your desktop computer or laptop computer.

NaturalReader, self-proclaimed as the most powerful text-to-speech visitor, can turn PDFs, web pages, electronic books, and also also printed product right into talked word. Readily available for both Mac and PCs, this software application can convert and also save any text-filled record right into an audio documents. Audio features such as rate and also voice are flexible, as well as when an audio documents is waited can be moved to other gadgets, such as a mobile phone, so the individual has the file any place he or she goes.

TalkButton, offered for Macs and also Microsoft Word, is text-to-speech software that can be regulated via a toolbar at the top of the computer display. Text that reads aloud can be gotten used to slow down, accelerate, stopped, or repeated back a couple of secs with the help of the ease of access toolbar. Audio data developed from the text-to-speech software application can be saved and downloaded to iTunes.

Browsealoud is a web page navigation software application offered for the majority of variations of Windows that is developed to aid those with dyslexia as well as second-language students search the web. The software program strips the web page down to its vital text so the user can focus on the message alone. Its text-to-speech function also includes a magnifying glass icon that adheres to the text as it is read aloud.

ReadSpeaker is a screen viewers software application for Mac or COMPUTER that enables records, web pages, as well as electronic books to be read out loud. ReadSpeaker comes in a variety of packages to accommodate for specific, student, class, as well as service needs.

Advantages Of Text To Speech.
Extend the reach of your web content — TTS admits to your content to a greater populace, such as those with proficiency difficulties, discovering impairments, minimized vision and those discovering a language. It likewise opens doors to anybody else searching for less complicated methods to accessibility electronic material.
Making your on the internet web content distinct assists the on-line populace to much better recognize the message. The text is checked out and highlighted at the same time so that the reader may conveniently adhere to along.
Populations are progressing — 244 million individuals are foreign born around the world (a boost of 70 million because 2000). Language effectiveness and schooling in the host country’s language is a very real trouble for migrants as well as their households.
An expanding elderly populace depends upon innovation — Between 2015 and also 2030, the number of individuals aged 60 years or over will grow by 56 percent, from 901 million to 1.4 billion (Source: www.un.org). In the United States alone, 59% of senior citizens use the Internet daily. Making digital content on the Internet easily accessible in numerous types produces an easier customer experience.
People are increasingly mobile and also looking for benefit — In the United States, a growing share of time spent on digital content is on mobile phones and also the need for linked gadgets continues to climb on a globally scale. Text to speech can turn any type of electronic content right into a multimedia experience and also people can pay attention to a news or blog short article, a PDF record, or an e-book on the move!
People with different understanding designs — Some individuals are auditory students, some are visual learners, and also some are kinesthetic learners– a lot of find out best with a mix of the 3. Universal Design for Learning is a plan for training which, via using modern technology and also adaptable lesson plans, aims to aid the maximum variety of learners understand as well as retain info by appealing to all discovering styles.
Boosted consumer experience — Speech-enabling pre- as well as after-sales solution decreases human agent work, provides tailored services, increases throughput, as well as reduces functional costs.
Efficient branding across touchpoints — A solitary TTS voice across several contact points sustains regular, psychological branding.
International market infiltration — clear, realistic, and adjustable TTS voices from worldwide prolong the reach of your business.
Maximized advancement and maintenance — Robust TTS modern technology that supports the most widespread platforms, is available both in the cloud as well as on premises, as well as is scalable according to actual company demands, saves growth and upkeep initiatives.
More freedom for the electronic web content owner — Many believe that text-to-speech software is something to be downloaded by hand. It can be, yet there are cloud-based types, or Software as a Service (SaaS). With a couple of simple lines of code, the sound is produced instantaneously and also for brand-new or upgraded material, the spoken version is upgraded instantly.
Raised internet visibility — Websites with TTS innovation bring in a few of the 774 million people around the world with literacy issues and the 285 million people with visual impairments. Also, speech enabling web content does not interfere with usability for those without impairments. It really assists all other populaces, consisting of older individuals and also foreign/non-native audio speakers.
Conserved time and money — With TTS innovation that is web- or cloud-based on a SaaS (Software as a Service) system, on the internet web content can swiftly as well as easily be speech allowed, as well as maintenance is marginal.
Simpler execution with Internet of Things (IoT) — The IoT is coming to be an essential consider digital business makeover. Firms throughout all verticals have digital marketing strategies in position as well as focus on engaging consumers across various connected networks to maximize how they communicate with them. TTS gives linked gadgets in the IoT an extra easy to use method to communicate with customers.
Word-of-mouth advertising and marketing — Adding an alternative way to eat content online enhances the customer experience. Visitors are far more likely to return to and also recommend sites where they have actually had favorable experiences. And even in our age of social networks advertising and marketing, word of mouth is still the most crucial system, according to Forbes.
Boosted employee efficiency with company discovering programs — With TTS modern technology, HR departments and also e-learning professionals can make learning modules and also worker training a lot easier for workers to find out anywhere and at anytime.

Types of Text-to-Speech Tools.

Depending upon the gadget your youngster makes use of, there are several TTS devices:.

Built-in text-to-speech: Many gadgets have built-in TTS tools. This includes desktop and laptop computers, smart devices as well as electronic tablets and also Chrome. Your youngster can utilize this TTS without purchasing special apps or software program.

Youngsters with dyslexia might certify for a cost-free Bookshare account with electronic publications that can be read with TTS. There are also free TTS devices offered online.

Text-to-speech apps: Kids can likewise download and install TTS applications on smart devices and also electronic tablet computers. These applications commonly have special features like text highlighting in different shades as well as OCR. Some instances consist of Voice Dream Reader, Claro ScanPen as well as Office Lens.

Chrome devices: Chrome is a relatively new system with numerous TTS devices. You can use these devices on a Chromebook or any computer system with the Chrome browser.

Outlook For Mac Text To Speech Disabled Email

In addition to other reading and also writing devices, many of these programs have TTS. Instances include Kurzweil 3000, ClaroRead and Read & Write. See more examples of software for kids with reading issues.

For continuing reading your tablet computer or phone.

Voice Dream Reader is a text-to-speech assistive application for both Apple as well as Android devices that converts PDFs, websites, Microsoft Word, as well as other paper formats right into talked word, while additionally using added functions such as bookmarking, note-taking, as well as an integrated thesaurus.

KNFB Reader is a text-to-speech application that functions exclusively off of photos. Originally designed with the purpose of assisting the aesthetically damaged and blind, this program’s text-to-speech modern technology removes the words found in a picture and also converts it to speech. Customers can take images right from the application or usage saved images from their tool.

CapturaTalk uses text-to-speech support along with lots of various other reading as well as writing sources, making it a beneficial source for jobs that need both reading, writing, and also study. The application’s internet browser removes advertisements as well as rearranges a website’s format to offer the individual with a decluttered as well as easy message web page.

Read & Write, developed by the very same company as Browsealoud, is readily available for tablet computer and also Chrome browsers. This application has both text-to-speech as well as “Speak As I Type” capacities. Its alternative keyboard and attributes assist customers read as well as write usual tablet computer jobs such as typing, emailing, and also reading.

There are various TTS products offered, consisting of Read Please 2000, Proverbe Speech Unit, and also Next Up Technology’s TextAloud. One such consideration would certainly be to make certain that pupils discover the appropriate TTS voice. Having a high quality TTS voice that appears similar to a human voice will boost reading understanding; the much less robot, the much better (Cunningham, 2011). Your child can use this TTS without purchasing unique applications or software.

In enhancement to various other analysis and composing tools, many of these programs have TTS.