Understanding Text to Speech: Assistive Technology

Assistive technology plays a crucial role in empowering individuals with disabilities by providing tools and devices that enable them to overcome challenges in everyday tasks.

One of the most impactful forms of assistive technology is Text to Speech (TTS), which is designed to help visually impaired individuals and those with reading difficulties access written content.

As around 80% of students with learning disabilities struggle with reading (Cortiella & Horowitz, 2014), the need for assistive technologies to support reading comprehension has become increasingly essential. This technology not only boosts inclusivity but also enhances learning experiences across various settings.

Overview: Text to Speech As a Tool

Text to speech (TTS) is a speech synthesis technology that converts written text into voice or spoken language.

The TTS tool uses Artificial Intellegence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to create audio output from text-based inputs. The result is natural-sounding, humanlike speech. This technology helps individuals learn a new language or the elderly to listen to a text message on their phone if they have weak eyesight.

One of the phenomenal applications of text to speech technology are as assistive tools in the education industry.

Notably, children with disabilities are 42% less likely to acquire foundational reading and numeracy skills and 25% less likely to attend early childhood education programs, as reported by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). This research highlights the critical need for effective TTS solutions to enhance accessibility and support learning for these children.

Text To Speech Apps For Assistive Technology In 2024

The listed tools excel in their TTS capabilities as an assistive technology:

1.  Murf

Murf AI is a highly awarded, comprehensive AI voice generator that has vast applications for differently-abled people. With a collection of 120+ high-quality voices in over 20 languages, people with disabilities can use it every single day for various purposes:

• Accessibility: With Murf’s TTS tool, individuals with reading or vision impairments can effortlessly convert documents and other text into high-fidelity speech using advanced AI and Speech Gen 2 technology.
• Learning support: Individuals with dyslexia or reading disability can use Murf’s TTS to listen to textbooks, articles, or other learning material.
• Communication aid: Individuals with speech impairments can use Murf on their personal devices to generate audio, enhancing their communication ability.
• Language learning: Murf’s AI translation allows individuals to communicate effectively with accurate and relevant context-aware translations.

Murf AI incorporates AI-powered accessibility features into a single comprehensive TTS package that supports individuals with diverse needs and helps them become an integral part of society.

2.  Speechify

Speechify is especially helpful for people with dyslexia. It reads digital text aloud on any interface, tremendously reducing the cognitive strain of reading that dyslexic people experience.

Speechify has a host of features that help people with disabilities:

• TTS: This is the core feature in Speechify. It helps users with learning disability learn proper pronunciation and enhance their reading fluency, making the reading experience accessible and engaging.
• Customization: This app enables users to adjust the reading speed of on-screen text, allowing individuals with disabilities to slow it down for clearer word-by-word comprehension. This feature enhances understanding by giving users more control over how information is delivered.
• Highlighting: Speechify allows users to highlight on-screen text that is being read, making it easier to follow and understand.

3.  Microsoft Azure Cognitive Services

Azure Cognitive Services provides several tools to help people with speech impairments get by with their daily lives:

• TTS: The text to speech tool enables people with speech impairments to communicate vocally through typed text.
• Custom voice models: Users can create custom voice models with AI voices to synthesize their own voice or a voice of their liking for everyday communication.
• Natural Language Understanding (NLU): NLU enhances the understanding of speech intent, allowing individuals with speech impairments to navigate voice-activated applications more efficiently.
• Translation: Communication becomes easier using translation services between speech-impaired people who wish to learn new languages.

Applications of TTS in Assistive Technology

Text to speech tools greatly improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by reading digital text aloud, reducing the learning curve for those with learning disabilities, and aiding people with vision impairment. These tools enhance accessibility, empowering users to engage more independently with digital content.

1.  Reading and Literacy Support

Assistive text to speech technology empowers individuals with dyslexia, visual impairments, and reading disabilities to keep pace with their peers, particularly in educational and research environments.

TTS enables users to access learning materials more effectively, helping them understand complex concepts and participate in discussions. This technology promotes greater inclusivity in classrooms, ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to learn and succeed.

2.  Communication Aids

For individuals with speech impairments or those facing language barriers, TTS tools serve as vital communication aids. TTS technology can generate translations, facilitating communication between speakers of different languages. This functionality is particularly beneficial in diverse environments, such as multicultural workplaces and international settings, where clear communication is essential for collaboration and understanding.

3.  Accessibility in Digital Content

Text to Speech tools, such as screen readers, can read aloud any web page and digital content, making it more accessible for individuals with vision impairments.

The importance of this accessibility is highlighted by a WebAIM survey, which found that nearly all analyzed web pages contained an average of 56.8 accessibility errors, highlighting the need for improved standards in digital content accessibility in web browsers.

4.  Learning and Comprehension

TTS software enhances learning and comprehension for individuals with speech impairments and learning disabilities.

Users can adjust the speed and volume of spoken content. This makes it easier to follow along and understand complex material. It also enables repeated listening for better retention of words and offers a model for practicing pronunciation and diction, which boosts confidence in verbal communication.

Assistive text to speech technology also provides critical support in understanding written text to persons with learning disabilities.

Text to speech software eliminates the struggle of decoding letters and words, enabling users to focus on comprehension rather than the mechanics of reading.

5.  For the Elderly

The elderly frequently experience a decline in vision acuity, mobility, and sometimes speech. TTS technology helps them create voice models for communication, listen to web pages and other screen content, to audio files, and use voice-activated commands to navigate digital platforms.

Wrapping Up

Text to Speech (TTS) technology is revolutionizing communication and learning by making information more accessible and engaging. Recent trends, with features such as AI voice personalization features, multilingual support, and integrated speech synthesis in various applications, are transforming how users interact with content.

These advancements enable users to select voices that match their preferences, ensuring a more relatable and enjoyable experience. Additionally, the rise of context-aware TTS, which adapts tone and pacing based on the content's emotional context, is enhancing listener engagement across educational platforms.

In this regard, Murf TTS provides a variety of natural-sounding voices and supports multiple languages. With its user-friendly interface, users can easily create high-quality audio content for presentations, podcasts, and e-learning materials.

The platform offers customizable options, allowing adjustments in pitch, speed, and emphasis to enhance listener engagement. By leveraging Murf TTS, individuals and organizations can create impactful content that promotes effective communication and accessibility for everyone.