Text to speech for special needs

Text-to-speech apps are designed to help people use a device with ease. These apps are available on Apple’s iPhones and iPads (iOS), Androids, PCs, Macs, Chromebook, and anything else you can imagine. 

It allows the listener to focus on the content instead of reading, and it provides better results. And this is something that is rather important for children with special needs. 

TTS tools are often used along with speech-to-text apps, which completely eliminates the need for typing or reading. 

For them, learning and education are not as easy as for other kids, and they can use any help they can get. This is why TTS apps are an essential tool for both parents and teachers across the globe. 

What is text to speech and how does it work

Text-to-speech is a voice synthesizer, and it is a tool designed to improve the accessibility of various devices. In essence, using text-to-speech software on your device will allow you to hear the text. 

These tools are originally created for visually impaired people, and being able to hear what’s written on the screen will allow them to use the device. Over time, many people started using screen readers, and they are getting more and more popular by the day. 

TTS software combines deep learning, artificial intelligence, complex algorithms, and so much more to allow apps to achieve this. One of the earliest commercial examples of TTS tools was Microsoft Sam, but the robotic voice wasn’t as good as people hoped. 

In the past couple of years, technology has improved, and the difference is astounding. As a result, today’s apps offer AI voices that are lifelike, and almost indistinguishable from real human voice actors. 

This makes them a lot more pleasant to use, which is one of many reasons behind the popularity of this type of software. More importantly, these apps can be quite useful, helping people overcome their struggles and achieve something that would be almost unobtainable. 

The benefits of text to speech for people with special needs

When people talk about improved accessibility, it mostly refers to the fact that education technology can be used by people with disabilities or special needs. If you are unaware, one in every five people has dyslexia or other forms of reading disabilities. 

At the same time, one-third of all people are auditory learners. It is easier for them to understand the message if they hear it. Being able to comprehend the text is crucial for struggling readers, and text-to-speech apps can be more than helpful. 

Furthermore, people with special needs can also use this app as a learning tool. Kids with autism or ADHD will have a hard time focusing on the topic, and it is always better if they are able to hear the content. 

All of these are just a few of the reasons why these assistive technology tools are so important. Furthermore, they can be more than helpful, which is why almost every modern device has a built-in text-to-speech app. 

How parents can help their children with special needs make the most of text to speech technology

In many places, there are groups for people with special needs, and this includes dyslexic children. Of course, there are also specialist dyslexia schools available as well, and the main goal is to provide multi-sensory materials. 

The main goal of education for children with special needs is to adapt to the problem at hand and create a healthy environment that will allow them to learn. And using appropriate tools can be more than helpful. 

The key to success is patience. And it is not always going to be easy. But you will need to stay strong and ensure your kid gets used to the sound of the app. Once both of you get familiar with it, it will allow you to explore different topics that are interesting to your child. 

One of the best options you can find on the market today is Speechify. The app is easy to use, and even if you are not an IT expert, you’ll be able to find your way around it. The UI is quite intuitive, and high-quality voices will make learning so much simpler. 

Speechify is also available across numerous platforms, which means that you’ll be able to use it regardless of your device. 

How teachers can help their students with special needs make the most of text to speech technology

For teachers, the situation is a bit more complicated. They are rarely able to dedicate enough time to each and every child, and many students keep struggling in silence. One of the things you can do if you are a teacher is to work on improving accessibility. 

This means that you can talk to parents and encourage them to use apps such as Speechify, and it will be great if children are able to familiarize themselves with the app both in school and at home. 

Using the app will allow you to convert any type of digital text into an audiobook, which will make it easier for students to understand. Especially if they have reading difficulties. 

Reading disorders, visual impairments, and other learning disabilities can pose an issue for children. Speechify also allows users to adjust speech rate, which allows them to create an experience tailored just for them. 

And having the right tools to battle the problem can make all the difference in the world. You can also check out this app at home while preparing for the class, and prepare audio files in advance. 

This will also allow you to give the material to parents, which will help them go through the lessons with their kids once they get home. Working on the problem can help children improve reading comprehension, and assist them every step of the way during education.

Finally, being able to see results and progress will help with motivation, and everyone loves getting good results. This will help them strive even further, and work hard to succeed in their education. 

FAQs

What is text-to-speech in special education?

Text-to-speech technology allows users to turn any type of text into an audiobook. All they open the app using a browser extension (Chrome or Firefox), and the device will be able to read it aloud. It is possible to use it on PDFs, epub, web pages, and any other type of text.

This is more than helpful for those with learning disabilities and anyone that struggles with reading. Dyslexia is the most common reading disorder, and being able to hear the text will save so much time. It will also be significantly less stressful. 

How does text-to-speech help disabled students?

Students that struggle with dyslexia (or any other reading disorder), ADHD, and learning can benefit from text-to-speech programs. Being able to hear the words instead of reading them will be less time-consuming, and it will improve their comprehension. 

Furthermore, children that want to have limited time for learning, have problems with concentration, or are auditory learners will also benefit from these tools. And what is great is that apps like Speechify are easy to use. 

What disability does text-to-speech help?

Text-to-speech apps are helpful for any condition that affects reading ability. This includes dyslexia, ADHD, but also visual impairments. Any student that is not able to focus on the text in physical form will benefit from TTS apps. 

But text-to-speech readers can also assist language learners since they will get a chance to hear how words are pronounced, and understand all the little details about the new language.