Where can I get readers and voices?
A Guide from
Text readers
WordTalk: www.wordtalk.org.uk
To read emails, PDFs and text on the Internet:
Ivona MiniReader: www.ivona.com Instructions about downloading and
using it here: http://bit.ly/1FXqExV
ALL Scotland
Communication, Access, Literacy and Learning
Windows PCs/Laptops:
To read Word Docs only:
Microsoft Office: Speak Text
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Getting Started with
Text-To-Speech
Natural Reader­: www.naturalreaders.com/download.php
Orato: www.fx-software.co.uk/assistive.htm
iPad/iPhone/Mac:
Speak Selection: comes pre-installed. Details and instructions available from
www.wikihow.com/Turn-on-Speak-Selection-on-Your-iPad-2 and http://
support.apple.com/kb/PH14230
Your computer or device can read text out loud.
Here are some examples of what it can read:
Android:
• text on the Internet, emails, and instant messages
TalkBack: comes pre-installed, or try Easy Text to Speech available from
Google Play http://bit.ly/1Dezgwc
• difficult words, sentences or whole paragraphs of text
Computer Voices
• documents, homework, and exams on your computer
iPad/iPhone:
• scanned or photographed paper materials
A selection of voices are already on your iPad - access them via Settings.
The Scottish Voices do not work with an iPad.
Mac/Windows:
You can get the Scottish Voices; Heather and Stuart from here: www.
thescottishvoice.org.uk State funded schools can download the voice;
parents or carers should print and send us the form from the web site
and we will send you a CD. You can also buy more Windows voices from
Cereproc or Ivona.
Android:
Cereproc & Ivona voices are available at low cost from Google Play.
Find out more from www.callscotland.org.uk/information/texttospeech
You can do all this for FREE. Read on to find out how...
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ALL Scotland works with Communication
and Assistive Technology for people with
disabilities and additional support needs.
Communication, Access, Literacy and Learning
What do I need?
What can I read and how do I do it?
1. A device
1. Reading a document
This could be a tablet, phone or computer - as long as it has a screen and
speakers so you can select and hear what’s being read. Some devices have
text-readers built in, or you can download one from the Internet.
All text-readers should be able to read a
Word Document, or document with text in
it. Highlight the text you want it to speak,
and usually press the appropriate key.
The actual instructions will be different
depending on which text-reader you are
using.
iPad/iPhone
Mac Computer/Laptop
Android
Windows PC/Laptop
2. A text-reader
Windows PCs/Laptops:
There is a text-reader called Narrator in the Ease of Access Centre but we
think better options are Ivona MiniReader, Orato, or WordTalk, which you
can download for free (see back page). You can also buy text-readers such
as Read and Write Gold or Claroread which have more tools and features.
iPads, iPhones, Mac Computers and Mac laptops:
These all have a text reader called Speak Selection built in. Go to SettingsGeneral-Accessibility-Speak Selection to turn it on.
Android:
TalkBack is built-in, but we suggest trying a text-reader from the Google
Play store, such as Easy Text to Speech or Voice Read Aloud (see back
page).
3. A Computer Voice
All devices have voices already built-in to them, which in most cases will
work with your text reader. However, you can also download and buy
better voices from various suppliers.
Scottish schools, pupils and students can get
free high quality Scottish voices for Windows
and Mac OS (not for iPad, however) from www.
thescottishvoice.org.uk
WordTalk reads in Word
2. Reading from the Internet
Text-readers can be used to read text
on the Internet, in your browser or
messenger.
Reading from the Internet with an iPad
3. Reading exams and assessments
If you have difficulty with paperbased exam materials, you can ask
to use Digital Exams instead. This
is replacing the reader and scribe
system. The digital question paper
will be on-screen, and you can use
a text reader to read it out loud. See
www.adapteddigitalexams.org.uk.
Reading exams with Ivona MiniReader
4. Reading scans or photographs
You can scan a paper document, or take a photo of it, covert it into text, and
then read it out. You’ll need text recognition software for this, see: CALL’s
guide to scanning at www.booksforall.org.uk/making-books/scan-and-ocr