Hi. I am considering purchasing a text-to-speech program to read digital books and the internet for some of my students. Someone warned me that students would not use the program because of the mechanical sound of the voices. The only student who I have ever had use a program like this did not complain about the voice. Have any of your children with a learning disability, auditory processing disorder, or ADHD used a program like this? If so, how helpful was the program? Thanks for your help. With limited resources, I do not want to spend money on something that might not be useful. Chris
Re: Text-to-speech programs
I provide services to students with disabilities at a small university. I have several different text-to-speech programs that I introduced students to. This way they learn about the similarities and differences between the ‘high end’ (WYNN & Kerzweil) and the ‘low end’ (Text-to-Audio and Text-Aloud). I like Text Aloud (available from nextup.com) for under $60 - program plus AT&T voices. They are a bit mechanical, but I use this program to convert textbooks to audio for students. Several of them have purchased personal copies of this program. It does highlight as it reads, and you can change the screen colors. It’s not as robust as WYNN - which I also show the students - but it does work well.
Hope this helps! And kudos to you for wanting to introduce your students to assistive technology!
I really like text to speech. My son uses it and I have used it with students. Now, I am very aware of the cost issue especially if someone is not sure they will use it. That is why I have encouraging students to use the FREE TRIAL from http://www.premier-programming.com/ It is easy to use and lets students see the possibilities available. I don’t think it highlights as it reads, which I think my son needs. I hope to buy kurzweil, but if you just want to expose kids to the concept try premier software. I think they have some great products at very reasonable prices.