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In addition to dedicated talking word processors that read their
own files as well as copied text, there are other "readers"
available. As students get older and work in multiple programs,
including web browsers and e-mail, we need to look at other options.
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Text Readers
Text Readers are software programs that read all the text in any
given document or application and often include other assistive
features such as word prediction and spell check. Those with a
reading disability, but with adequate vision most often use them.
Examples
 Read
& Write (textHELP)
This easy to use floating tool bar works with any Windows software
program such as a word processor, spreadsheet, database, email or
Internet options. It has five areas of support: speech feedback,
screen reading, phonetic spell checker, word prediction, and thesaurus.(Windows)
 TextAssist
(Mindmaker,
Inc.)
TextAssist is an easy-to-use application that converts text into
speech. You can use it to read e-mail messages and text documents,
and even with Internet chat rooms. Simply highlight text and let
it go to work. It is fully customizable, offering several different
voices that you can modify in pitch, volume, and speed.
TextAloud MP3 (NextUp
Technologies)
TextAloud is a floating toolbar that lets you listen to text that
you copy to the clipboard. As you highlight and copy text, the program
begins to read it back to you. You can read any email message, text
file or web page or save it to listen to later; it allows unlimited
sizes so copy an entire eBook and save it as a file. The program
uses Microsoft text-to-speech capabilities.
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 Wynn
2 (Freedom
Scientific)
Used with a standard computer, WYNN lets you open a file and hear
it read aloud or scan in a page using a flatbed scanner, and read
that aloud. Several toolbars provide student options that include:
to scan or edit any page by adding text or making corrections. Students
can alter the way the page is presented on the screen as well as
the way it is read aloud. To help students study, they can insert
notes and bookmarks, highlight sections, or look up words in the
dictionary.
Screen Readers
Screen readers read ALL the text elements on the screen, including
menu bars, buttons and dialogue boxes and may include screen magnification
features. They provide access to program navigation and written
text for students with visual impairments.
Reading text aloud benefits anyone having difficulty reading information
on the screen or for whom simultaneously hearing and reading text
aids comprehension. Any the reading programs can also assist reading
speed. Features within programs vary and should be investigated
for each user.
Examples
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JAWS (Freedom
Scientific)
This popular full screen reader provides a way for blind computer
users to access a wide variety of information and education related
applications: browse the web, read or write e-mail messages, re-calculate
spread sheets or access information in a data base. (Windows)
 ScreenReader
(textHELP! Systems)
ScreenReader is a user friendly utility tool bar that allows a PC
to read text in any windows based application: word processor, spreadsheet,
encyclopedia, web page, Help File, educational program, etc. With
a floating menu bar, it reads text in any Windows application. (Windows
95/98, NT)
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ZoomText Xtra Level 2 (AI
Squared)
This program combines a screen reader with enlarged text. (Windows
95/98) $595.00
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