Screenreaders & Text-to-Speech Applications

Screenreader applications read aloud a variety of content formats via TTS (text-to-speech). See also the Software for DTBs page.

Balabolka

Balabolka is a text-to-speech (TTS) program. All computer voices installed on a system are available to Balabolka. On-screen text can be saved as a WAV, MP3, OGG or WMA file. The program can read clipboard content, view text from DOC, RTF, PDF, FB2 and HTML files, customize font and background color, control reading from the system tray or by global hotkeys. It can also be run from a flash drive. Go to the Balabolka web site for more information.

DSPEECH

DSPEECH is a TTS (text-to-speech) freeware program with integrated ASR (automatic speech recognition) functionality. It is able to read aloud written text and choose sentences to be pronounced based on vocal answers of a user. It can be run from an external flash drive and can record its TTS output to an MP3 file. Go to the DSPEECH web site for more information.

JAWS

The most widely used screenreader on the market, JAWS was “developed for computer users whose vision loss prevents them from seeing screen content[.] JAWS reads aloud what’s on the PC screen” (from the web site). JAWS works with a variety of formats and applications, including Lotus Symphony and Notes, Microsoft Office Suite, MSN Messenger, WordPerfect, Adobe Acrobat Reader, DAISY, Internet Explorer, and Firefox. JAWS also offers braille output to a refreshable braille display, instead of or in combination with TTS. Other features include compatibility with dual monitor use, screen magnification, and availability in 23 languages. Go to Freedom Scientific's JAWS web page for more information.

Kurzweil 3000

Kurzweil 3000 is a text-to-speech software program for special education students, adult learners with learning disabilities, and English language learners (ELL). It is effective for use in a classroom, in a business environment, or for individual use at home. Kurzweil 1000 is also available; it is a vision-impaired, text-to-speech assistive software program. Go to the Kurzweil Products web page for more information.

Microsoft Word

Using the macro capabilities of Microsoft Word, it is possible to add a "Speak Text" toolbar to that application. For specific instructions, see http://www.gmayor.com/word_text_to_speech.htm.

NaturalReader 10.0/2.0

NaturalReader freeware reads selected text in HTML, Word, RTF, text, PDF formats. Version 10.0 is for Windows and version 2.0 is for Macs. Features of the free version include a floating toolbar that can be used with Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Explorer; adjustable voice speed with two voices. Go to the Natural Reader web site for more information.

NVDA

NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) is “a free and open source screen reader for the Microsoft Windows operating system. Providing feedback via synthetic speech and Braille, it enables blind or vision impaired people to access computers running Windows for no more cost than a sighted person. Major features include support for over 20 languages and the ability to run entirely from a USB drive with no installation” (from the web site). Supported formats: web browsers, email clients, internet chat programs, and office suites including WordPad, Notepad, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Outlook Express, Word, Excel, and free office suite Open Office. Go to the NVDA web site for more information.

PDF Equalizer

PDF Equalizer can open and read aloud any version of a PDF file. The built-in NOTES function allows note-taking and notes can be "synchronized" with the relevant PDF page. PDF Equalizer also has a built-in text-to-MP3 audio converter and a talking dictionary. Go to the PDF Equalizer web site for more information.

ReadPlease 2003

"Reads any text you see on your screen—all-purpose text-to-speech software" (from the web site). Works with Windows OS. Use by copying and pasting text from Word, RTF, or text documents. Features of the free version include change of font size and background color and adjustable voice speed with three Microsoft voices. A simple program, its advantage is its ease of use. Go to the ReadPlease web site for more information.

Text Reader 1.2

Text Reader opens plain text files and then exports them either to AIFF files or directly to an iTunes playlist (optionally encoding them with iTunes’ default preferences). Adjust rate and pitch of speech of an AIFF file as it is saved. Go to the Text Reader web site for more information.

TextSpeech Pro 1.0

TextSpeech Pro reads books, documents, emails with a choice of natural human voices. Reads any document (PDF, Word, HTML, text, XML, etc.) aloud, and includes Cepstral voices (as an included or optional component to the software). Synthesize speech from text and use the high-quality voices (Deluxe version) in most Mac OS X applications. Export text to a variety of audio file formats (Deluxe version). Go to the TextSpeech Pro web site for more informaiton.

UniversalReader Plus

UniversalReader Plus is a very easy-to-use reading utility. It works with virtually any application. Use it to read email, Word documents, and web pages. Select content to be read, click on the floating toolbar, and it starts to read. It takes about two minutes to install and even less time to learn how to use. Go to the UniversalReader Plus web site for more informatiuon.

Window-Eyes

Window-Eyes screenreader is "a leading software application for the blind and visually impaired, which converts components of the Windows operating system into synthesized speech allowing for complete and total access to Windows based computer systems" (from the web site). Works with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, HTML, text, PDF, flash; supports braille display. Features include ten voices; remote access; beginner, intermediate, and advanced menu levels; ability to read text under a mouse pointer as it moves; and more. Go to the Window-Eyes web site for more information.

WordTalk 4.2

Word Talk is a free plug-in developed for use with all versions of Microsoft Word (from Word 97 on), which can help people with reading difficulties use Microsoft Word more effectively. Go to the Word Talk web site for more information.