ADCET Webinar: What are web apps and how can a text-to-speech web app support learning and boost confidence? (Vendor Demonstration)

ADCET welcomed back Mary Willcox from Aventido, UK to discuss how text can be read aloud using a range of text-to-speech technology: downloadable software, physical pens, phone apps, browser extensions and web apps. Mary also looked at the benefits of using a text-to-speech web app to support learning and boost confidence.

Text-to-speech is used to support reading and comprehension especially for individuals who are dyslexic, have ADHD or additional language learners.This technology is available as software downloaded onto a computer, a physical reader pen, browser extensions and web apps. Web apps are becoming a common type of assistive technology because they can be used in the same way regardless of the type of device. Because web apps are accessed in a web browser, all of the tools and documents are available on any device whether it's a Chromebook, phone, iPad Macbook or Windows computer.

Mary discussed the advantages of using a text-to-speech web app called ReadSpeaker TextAid.

Presenter

Mary Wilcox has worked in the assistive technology sector for eight years with experience in demonstrating a range of software at both virtual and physical events. At Aventido, Mary helps people use assistive technology; providing webinars, presentations and training. She is the product specialist for ReadSpeaker TextAid as well as showing the benefits of all the many solutions available at Aventido. Prior to working in assistive technology, Mary was a primary school teacher for 18 years and uses her knowledge of teaching, learning styles and specific learning difficulties to educate people about assistive technology in a relaxed and easy-to-understand manner. Mary is also vice chair of the Educator's Special Interest Group at BATA (British Assistive Technology Association)

Information discussed by Mary during the webinar

Where to get browser extensions

Google Play: You can add extensions to your Chrome browser and android apps to your phone, tablet or Chromebook. Select your device and then search for what you need.

REMINDER: Browser extensions are used on websites on computers (including Chromebooks) and you can't use them on a phone or tablet. Android and iOS apps are downloaded onto tablets and phones.

There are many free extensions available which read text aloud and change the way text looks on websites. These can be used on Windows, MacBook and ChromeBooks.

Search for text to speech reader and you will see many options that are free

Bionic reading extensions help many people read more quickly. It changes the font of text on websites.

Screen shader tints the screen

App store is where you can download apps for iOs devices such as iPads and iPhones

BookShare link  - Information about BookShare where you can access books in digital format

Would you like to try TextAid for free?

Please contact Mary to arrange a free 2 week trial of TextAid and also site license trials. All she needs is a first and last name, email address and job role. Her email address is mary.wilcox@aventido.com

Purchasing ReadSpeaker TextAid

If you live in New Zealand you can purchase ReadSpeaker TextAid from DTSL Assistive Technology. Information can be found on their website https://assistive.co.nz/product/readspeaker-textaid/

If you live in Australia, we are in the process of working with a reseller. If you contact Mary, she can provide prices and put you in touch with the right person. 

Here's a short video showing the image to text feature: Video of image to text

Where to buy ScanMarker 

If you're specifically interested in the ScanMarker Pro reader pen email mary.wilcox@aventido.com and she will provide details about where to purchase it. 

Spectronics in Australia sell a range of reader pens: Portable readers

DTSL Assistive Technology in New Zealand also sell them: Reader pens

TextAid vs Natural Reader

ADCET is hosted by the University of Tasmania