ReadSpeaker comes in a variety of packages to accommodate for individual, business, classroom, and student needs. Saved documents and images can be made accessible on any device, though. The resource is entirely web-based, so users can access it from any internet-connected computer with their log-in information. ReadSpeaker is a screen reader software for Mac or PC that allows documents, web pages, and e-books to be read aloud. Its text-to-speech feature also comes with a magnifying glass icon that follows the text as it is read aloud. The software strips the web page down to its essential text so the user can focus on the text alone. Audio files created from the text-to-speech software can be saved and downloaded to iTunes.īrowsealoud is a web page navigation software available for most versions of Windows that is designed to help those with dyslexia and second-language learners browse the internet. Text that is read out loud can be adjusted to slow down, speed up, paused, or replayed back a few seconds with the help of the accessibility toolbar. TalkButton, available for Macs and Microsoft Word, is text-to-speech software that can be controlled through a toolbar at the top of the computer screen. Audio features such as speed and voice are adjustable, and once an audio file is saved it can be transferred to other devices, such as a cell phone, so the user has the file wherever he or she goes. Available for both Mac and PCs, this software can convert and save any text-filled document into an audio file. NaturalReader, self-proclaimed as the most powerful text-to-speech reader, can turn PDFs, web pages, e-books, and even printed material into spoken word. For reading on your desktop computer or laptop

Here are 10 helpful text-to-speech software and applications that are great assistive technology tools to have at the start of the school year.

Text-to-speech software is often a vital resource for students with dyslexia-to aid reading, promote comprehension, and enhance overall literacy skills. As school approaches, parents and students alike should be aware of the resources available to them as they prepare to tackle a new grade, new year, and new learning challenges.

Child text to speech free