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Listen Up: Overview of Text to Speech Software

Proposal No: 205

Bios & Handouts

Speaker(s)

Disability Area:          


Topic Area:                


Length of Session (in hours): 1Format: Not providedExpertise Level: Intermediate Type of session: General Conference

Summary of Session

How do we select text-to-speech software as an accommodation for students with learning disabilities? This session will demonstrate and discuss many of the available options and indicate what has been selected at the University of Washington`s Access Technology Center.

Abstract

When it comes to making choices, the vast number of text-to-speech (TTS) applications can be daunting. The variety of platforms students are using does not simplify those choices. This session will demonstrate a number of TTS applications designed to run on Windows, Macintosh, and iOS platforms. Do students want commonly considered `gold standard` TTS applications? Are the free or built-in options sufficient for higher education accommodation? How do we deliver the top one or two applications that an institution is willing to support? Using a combination of student feedback and observation, we`ll describe what is used at the University of Washington. A spirited discussion is sure to follow the presentation and demonstrations.

Kepoints

  1. Overview of TTS applications currently available
  2. How well TTS integrates with productivity software
  3. Deployment of TTS apps in networked environment

Speaker Bio(s)

Dan Comden

Dan manages the Access Technology Center (ATC) at the University of Washington. The ATC is a UW system-wide resource within central IT that works directly with students, faculty, and staff with disabilities who need to access computing resources. The ATC also help web and application developers make exciting and accessible online resources. In his free time, Dan plays with cars and rides his bike.

Handout(s)