Text-to-speech tools read text content aloud. Text-to-speech enhances accessibility, supports multitasking, and improves comprehension for diverse people.
Speechify
Speechify is Middlebury's primary text-to-speech solution. It supports a variety of languages, voices, and speeds. All Middlebury students and employees can sign up for an account using their Middlebury email here.
Text-to-speech benefits
Text-to-speech tools provide a variety of benefits.
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Flexibility: Speechify has adjustable reading speeds, multiple voices, and can be used on computers, phones, and tablets.
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Enhanced Learning: Reading while listening combines visual and auditory input for better comprehension and retention.
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Support for ESL Students: Improve language skills with high-quality voice options and pronunciation tools.
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Reduce Stress and Screen Time: Speechify is an excellent tool for anyone looking to lessen the strain from heavy reading loads or screen fatigue. This is particularly useful for anyone experiencing concussions, migraines or headaches.
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Accessibility: Supports individuals with visual impairments, dyslexia, or learning differences by converting text into audio. *
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Efficiency: Listen to readings while traveling or exercising for time management
Other Tools
In addition to Speechify, Middlebury community members have access to these tools which also provide text-to-speech options.
Adobe Acrobat/Reader Read Aloud
Text-to-speech options are available directly in Acrobat and Reader. Control over voices and speed is limited by the operating system (but controlled inside Acrobat/Reader) and your ability to control what is read aloud is pretty primitive.
Available to all Middlebury community members through our Adobe Creative Cloud license.
Microsoft Read Aloud
Read Aloud is part of Immersive Reader and is built into Word, OneNote, Outlook, and a number of other Microsoft products in addition to being available in Middlebury’s Canvas courses. While voice choices are limited to male and female, the reading style is smooth and you can control the speed. Immersive reader supports a variety of languages.
Available to all Middlebury community members in Office products and Middlebury’s Canvas courses. Learn more about accessing Read Aloud here.
Sensus Access
One of Sensus Access’s features is text-to-speech. It works by submitting a file to their website and Sensus Access will then email you when the audio file has been created.
It supports many languages including all major and many smaller European languages, American English, Latin American Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Taiwanese, Korean, Japanese and more.
Available to all Middlebury community members at this URL.
*The language in this article is identity-first and aligns with patterns established by Middlebury's Disability Resource Center.