Turning Text Into Speech: Real World Applications and Examples

Turning Text Into Speech: Real World Applications and Examples
Date: July 16, 2015
Time: 1:00-2:30PM CT
Speaker: Jonathan Campbell, Assistive Technology Specialist Minnesota State Services for the Blind
Description:  Computers these days have a lot to say but only if you know the right way to ask them. With text-to-speech a user can have the computer read almost any text out loud. This can be a life changing tool for people who are blind, low vision, or have a print related disability. But what are these tools, how do they work, and what does it look like in real life for an everyday user? In this Webinar we will explore text-to-speech tools available on computers, tablets, and smart phones through the use of real world examples.

As a trainer of blind and low vision computer users Jonathan has gained a significant amount of hands-on experience of text-to-speech technology and will demonstrate the way his clients find success with text-to-speech tools. You’ll also learn how people with print related disables like dyslexia can leverage these tools to find success. Demonstrations will include:

• Screen readers like JAWS for Windows and VoiceOver for Apple devices
• Text-to-Speech and magnification software like ZoomText and MAGic
• Built-in reading tools on the iPad and iPhone like Speak Selection and Speak Screen
• Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software like the KNFB Reader and ABBYY FineReader
• Highlight and read tools like NaturalReader and Snap&Read
• and more

Demonstrations will include both paid and free software options.

All Sessions are scheduled from 1:00-2:30 p.m. (90 minute sessions) Central Time Zone(CT). The program is available in the following formats:

• Streaming Audio via Blackboard Collaborate webinar platform V11
• Real-time Captioning via Blackboard Collaborate webinar platform V11
• A telephone option is available by calling the toll number. NOTE: You will incur charges for telephone access based on your telephone provider.

All sessions will have a digital recording of the session archived on this site. 

Continuing Education Credits/Certificates:  A certificate of attendance is available upon request once actual attendance/participation is documented.