How to Get Your Computer to Speak

Would you love your computer to speak to you? Are you or your relatives or friends in some way disabled that having the computer speak commands would enable you to gain access to the wide world of the internet? Just keep reading for tips on how that could be accomplished.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
   Assistive Technologies

   Decide which screen reader is right for you. There are a number of screen readers available for visually impaired, learning disabled and people with other disabilities. There are programs that cost and programs that are free to download for personal use. ( See Resources)

2. 
   Speak Software

   Download the screen reader of your choice. Thunder screen reader is one screen reader that is free for personal and non-profit use. This software speaks text letter by letter or word for word. It is available for download from screenreader.net. (See Resources) It works well with Microsoft products--Word, Outlook and Internet Explorer. To use the Internet there is another free program to install called Webbie.

3. 
   Speak Software

   Set up the software. There is very little set-up with this software, but someone with a little computer savvy needs to assist the disabled person. This software should be immediately usable. They will have a talking computer that will speak the keys as they press them and read the screen to them.

Tips & Warnings

• I am in no way affiliated with any of these programs.
• My sister has MS and I am constantly on the look out for software or assistive technologies that will help her.
• Works best with Windows XP or Vista

Resources

• Screenreader.net
• Abilitynet.com
• Screenreadercomparison
• Assistive Technologies/Learning Disabled

[showpup]

on 5/8/2009 I used one of these many years ago. I bet they have improved drastically now. I'll have to look them up and give one a try.

[GreenMomma]

on 4/27/2009 That's great information!

[kaytay]

on 3/14/2009 wow. i didnt know getting your computer to speak this way was possible

[starlet67]

on 3/1/2009 Great article! Nice use of photos and clear instructions!5*

[joni04]

on 2/20/2009 I have seen this on TV, it looks interesting! Very cool. *****