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Text-to-speech

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Text-to-speech is technology that reads digital text aloud, often highlighting words as they are spoken.

Topic: Assistive technology and AAC

In plain terms

Text-to-speech is built into many devices and browsers. It lets students with reading disabilities, low vision or attention needs access grade-level content by listening. It does not teach decoding, but it removes decoding as a barrier to learning science, history and literature. Students often need practice using it well: adjusting the reading speed, following the highlighted words, and pausing to reread or take notes.

How it shows up in an IEP

Text-to-speech can be an accommodation or AT. It should be paired with reading instruction goals, and teams should check the state's rules for using it on reading tests.

Example

A student uses text-to-speech with word highlighting for a 20-page history chapter and answers comprehension questions at 85% accuracy, compared with 50% reading silently.

The rule

Rules vary by state. Check your state's regulations and your district's procedures.

Related terms

  • Read-aloud accommodationA read-aloud accommodation has text, directions or test items read aloud to the student by a person or by text-to-speech software.
  • Speech-to-textSpeech-to-text is technology that turns spoken words into written text, so a student can write by talking.
  • Presentation accommodationA presentation accommodation changes how information is given to a student, such as reading aloud, large print, braille or visual supports.
  • DyslexiaDyslexia is a specific learning disability that mainly affects accurate, fluent word reading and spelling, often rooted in processing speech sounds.
  • Assistive technology deviceAn assistive technology device is any item, equipment or software used to increase, maintain or improve the abilities of a student with a disability.

On IEP Atlas

This page describes special education terms and federal rules in general terms and is not legal advice. Our editorial policy explains how IEP Atlas writes and reviews content. Browse all 244 terms.