Environment
Browser-based
Issue
Many individuals, especially those who are neurodivergent, benefit from access to high-quality AI text-to-speech as a reading tool. The Windows version of our literacy toolkit Read & Write now includes several ElevenLabs AI voices; however, this is not yet available for the Mac version. In addition, we have had feedback that Read & Write does not work optimally for all users.
Resolution
To address this issue, we have started a one-year pilot with a limited number of Speechify seats.
Speechify is a browser-based text-to-speech program with 249 high quality voices. It supports a wide variety of international languages, including many that have an alphabet other than the Latin Alphabet used for English. Users sign in, then upload the file they wish to have read. They can change the voice speed on the fly, and also skip forward or backward in the reading by 10 seconds. The program can also be used to generate and download .MP3 files.
Note: Speechify can only be used for text-to-speech. and .MP3 exporting. Unlike Read & Write, it has no notetaking, writing, or pronunciation aids.
If necessary, priority will be given to Mac users and individuals who indicate why the Windows version of Read&Write doesn't work for them.
Individuals who request a seat will be periodically surveyed on how they use the program. This information will be used to determine whether we continue or expand the license at the end of the pilot.
Additional Information
There is a free version of Speechify, but it only has robotic voices and very limited features.
Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.