Text to Speech Programs

What it is

A type of assistive technology program that reads electronic written text aloud to support increased learning and independence.

Strategies

• Directly instruct students on how to use available text to speech programs.
• Model effective strategies for learning, as teachers learn new programs along with students.
• Use TTS regularly as part of whole class instructional lessons for various subjects, using a projector.
• Consider developing or providing basic instructions on how to access and get started on using the programs.
• Regularly require the use of TTS programs for all students in various subject areas.
• Ensure use of TTS for students with it listed as an accommodation in their IEP, for all reading tasks.
• Conference with small groups on the use of TTS.
• Select student leaders to mentor other students on TTS.
• Consider doing a trial of testing students’ comprehension of a text without TTS and then with TTS.
• Provide students with free down load information for home use of TTS.
• Inform parents of TTS programs and their benefits.
• Access school and board supports for additional resources and training on TTS.



Resources
Student Needs IPRC Exceptionalites Diagnosed Conditions