posted 9-23-2003

Text-to-Speech Software Helps Readers with Disabilities

Wakefield, Massachusetts – The Center for Applied Special Technology this week announced the release of eReader 3.0 for the Windows® platform. CAST eReader is a text-to-speech software tool designed to support those who have difficulty reading. The software now supports DAISY 2.02 digital talking books, which use human voice on MP3 files. This new release of eReader makes it the first tool to use both synthetic speech and natural voice to navigate a wide range of digital educational content and provide critically needed reading supports for young readers with disabilities as they begin to read independently. 
 
CAST is well-known for developing and introducing the concept of Universal Design for Learning. Universal Design for Learning is a framework for teaching, learning, and assessment, drawing on new brain research and new media technologies, to respond to individual learner differences.
 
In keeping with the tenets of Universal Design for Learning, flexibility is the key to eReader’s success. The flexible user interface enables the user to speak digitized text, HTML, and DAISY 2.02 documents. It can highlight the text as it reads by word, sentence, or paragraph. The user can choose between limited or fully equipped toolbars, and customize the software’s general look and feel for ease of use. New voices (Microsoft’s® SAPI 4 and SAPI 5 voices, and ATT Natural Voices included) give the user even more options to customize the software for their specific needs.
 
In addition to reading supports, type-and-talk functionality aids in the writing process, enabling users to hear what they have written. eReader also enhances research by offering the capacity to open up two or more windows for document referencing and “drag-and-drop” note taking. The new interface and increased functionality has options that have been specifically designed for use by first graders through college students. 
 
eReader 3.0 will begin shipping on October 1, 2003. A single copy is $229 plus shipping and handling. Volume pricing is available. eReader 3.0 runs on Windows® 98, 2000, XP, and ME. CAST eReader, originally named Ultimate Reader, was introduced in 1996 and is presently used by over 80,000 students and adults to support reading as well as assist in research performed on the Internet. The development of eReader 3.0 for Windows® was supported in part by: John W. Alden Trust, NEC Foundation of America, and The Nord Family Foundation. 
 
To access more information as well as try a 30-day demo of eReader 3.0, visit http://www.cast.org/eReader.
 
About CAST
 
Founded in 1984, CAST is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to expand educational opportunities for all students, especially those with disabilities, through the development and innovative uses of computer technology. In addition to conducting educational research and development, CAST is the creator of Bobby, a Website accessibility evaluation tool used worldwide, and the educational software program WiggleWorks® (co-developed with Scholastic Inc.). For more information, please visit http://www.cast.org.