Speech+Recognition+&+Synthesis

toc Speech recognition ("speech-to-text") and speech synthesis ("text-to-speech") software are used for individuals who may either have difficulties reading text, writing text, or both. Speech recognition software has the capability to take spoken words and turn them into written words, or text. Speech synthesis software can take text and provide an audio representation of each word.

=About= Text to speech and speech to text programs are ideally used for people with disabilities. Though, this software is proving to be just as beneficial for all types of students and even adults. These types of software provide for equal access to text and the ability to produce text.

=Specific Tools (Speech-to-Text)=

Dragon NaturallySpeaking
(Dragon NaturallySpeaking is a speech recognition software that provides easy use of a computer for anyone. It allows you to talk into the computer and it types for you. This program uses your voice commands to create and edit documents or emails, launch applications, open files, control your mouse, and more. Your thoughts and ideas are captured quickly and easily to make work more efficient. Dragon has created accessibility and assistive technology to improve applications for the disabled. This program is tailored for users with blindness/low vision, dyslexia, dyspraxia, mobility or dexterity impediments and a variety of other physical disabilities.

**How to Use** Dragon can be purchased or a free application trial version for smart phones can be downloaded. Once the program has been downloaded, audio files can be uploaded from hardware devices or the dragon smart phone app as well as created in the program. When the file is uploaded into the program you can edit the portions of your audio file. The speech will than transfer to text. You can export this file into word documents for further editing or edit the text in the program. This is a very user friendly speech to text program.

=Specific Tools (Text-to-Speech)=

Kurzweil 3000
(Kurzweil 3000 is a text to speech software that provides easy to follow reading of any created or web-based text imported into the program. As the program reads the text, the word being read is highlighted, making it easy to follow. This program can be beneficial for those with vision problems who would otherwise not be able to read text, and for those with reading difficulties. Useful features include the highlighting tool, reference and look up tools, writing tools, test taking capabilities, and ability to use through Mozilla Firefox.

How to Use
Kurzweil 3000 can be purchased or a free trial version can be downloaded. Once in the program, text files can either be created within the program or can be imported from saved files. Along the top of the screen, you can find the toolbar that displays all of the functions of the software. Users can personalize how they want the program to read the text to them through decreasing and increasing the speed of reading and choosing what elements they want highlighted while the program reads to them. The dual highlighting feature can highlight either the sentence or paragraph in which they are reading in one color, and the specific word it is reading in another color. This makes it very easy to follow along while being read to.

Screen Readers
Fire Vox is one screen reader that is very helpful when accessing the web. This plug-in for Firefox allows those with visual impairments or reading disabilities to access the internet (using the Firefox browser) by reading the text out loud. For more examples, see Wikipedia's List of screen readers page.

How to Use
Fire Vox can be downloaded online and activated each time one uses the Firefox browser.

=Implementation Ideas=

English
When writing a paper, speech-to-text software can be used to put ideas into writing for those with difficulties in manually writing. Text-to-speech software is a great alternative to audio books because students can follow along with the text and enhance reading abilities.

Mathematics
For those with poor visual acuity, text-to-speech can provide students with the math problems out loud and students won't have to rely on being able to see the problem written out.

Science

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Social Studies
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=Opinions & Feedback=
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