Accessible text-to-speech options for students who struggle with reading

ABSTRACT

As students progress through school they spend more time reading to obtain information. Reading to learn can be a struggle for any student, but it tends to be a bigger obstacle for students with disabilities. Using text-to-speech applications and extensions is one way to assist students with disabilities who struggle to independently complete reading assignments. This article presents low-cost text-to-speech options that can be used to support struggling readers, including those with disabilities. Although many quality reading tools exist, this article provides options for teachers and other school personnel trying to balance the needs of students with the realities of school budgets.

Keywords:

• Assistive technology
• literacy
• reading
• technology
• text-to-speech

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Erin K. Bone

Erin K. Bone is a doctoral student in the Educational Psychology Educational Technology Program at Michigan State University. Her current research interests are using assistive technology and universal learning to support students with high-incidence disabilities.

Emily C. Bouck

Emily C. Bouck is an Associate Professor at Michigan State University in the Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education. Her research interests include assistive technology to support students with disabilities.