What Is Text-To-Speech Accommodation? (Benefits & Applications)

Text-to-speech (TTS) technology represents noteworthy progress in assistive technology. It enhances accessibility and convenience in digital communications. Then, there is a unique term: TTS accommodation. So, what is text-to-speech Accommodation?

In short, it refers to technology that converts written text into spoken words. This is now a trending technique to make digital content accessible to individuals with disabilities. Users or audiences can listen to written content rather than read it. More precisely, they are getting better accessibility and inclusivity in various environments.

TTS accommodation technology supports various users by providing alternative ways to access desired information. It helps facilitate learning and improve productivity. This technology is nowadays utilized in many applications, from education to professional development.

What Is Text-to-Speech Accommodation?

As I said, text-to-speech Accommodation is a useful tool. It helps people who have difficulty reading standard print. With this technology, they can hear the spoken words converted from the written text. One thing is that this Accommodation is beneficial for students with disabilities like dyslexia, visual impairments, or other learning disabilities that affect reading abilities.

According to Search Our Work, NWEA MAP Growth, TTS accommodations are widely used in educational settings during assessment and classroom activities. Let me share an example.

You can enable TTS on test platforms to read questions and instructions aloud to the students. They will hear a computerized voice. Students who struggle with reading can definitely still understand and respond to test questions accurately.

The effectiveness of Text-to-Speech varies depending on the individual and the context. Some studies have shown positive outcomes of TTS accommodation, including improved comprehension and better test performance for students with learning disabilities.

Some other studies even provide mixed or negligible effects. For instance, some students may only benefit from TTS if they are familiar with the content. Also, they may not be due to the ineffective synthetic voice, which may not sound like human read-aloud methods. 

TTS enables users to independently adjust the level of reading support they receive, whether it’s for single words, passages, or entire documents. It is recognized as a form of assistive technology. Also, it is often included in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans to support students’ educational needs (Speechify). 

TTS serves as an accommodation as it does not alter the content of the material yet changes the way it is presented to the student. In simple words, students can access the same curriculum as their peers using TTS, but they access it in a format that better suits their learning needs.

For instance, a student with a visual impairment may use a screen reader, a type of TTS software, to listen to a reading passage. Similarly, a student with dyslexia can use TTS to aid in decoding and comprehension during tests.

What Is Communication Accommodation Theory?

Howard Giles developed the Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) in the 1970s (Communication Theory). This theory explores how and why people adjust their communication behaviors to align with or differentiate from their interlocutors during social interactions.

CAT focuses on three main strategies: convergence, divergence, and maintenance. Each has significant meanings and importance.

Convergence

This occurs when individuals adapt their communication styles to become more like their conversational partner. This strategy often aims to increase social approval, build rapport, and reduce social distance.

Example:

Someone may adopt the accent or speech patterns of their conversation partner to create a sense of familiarity and closeness.

Divergence

In contrast, divergence happens when individuals emphasize the differences in their communication styles. This strategy is often used to assert individuality, highlight group identity, or maintain social distance.

Example:

A person deliberately uses their native dialect or language to assert their cultural identity in a multicultural setting.

Maintenance

This strategy involves retaining one’s original communication style regardless of the differences with the conversational partner. It may be used to preserve personal or cultural identity.

Example:

A bilingual individual continues to use their native accent while speaking a second language to demonstrate pride in their linguistic heritage.

CAT has found applications across various domains. It may include organizational communication, intercultural interactions, and media studies. Again, Wikipedia says that CAT helps explain how individuals navigate complex social landscapes by strategically adjusting their communication to manage relationships and identities effectively. 

Therefore, some factors influence the accommodation process like social identity, interpersonal relationships, power dynamics, and cultural context. Let me give another example. 

People are more likely to converge with those they perceive as similar or desirable, such as friends or romantic partners. They may diverge from those they view as dissimilar or adversaries. Power differentials also play a role, with individuals in positions of power less likely to accommodate those with lower status (Media Theory). 

What Is Read Aloud Accommodation?

It is a support provided to students during assessments to help them better understand and respond to test questions. This Accommodation involves having test items read aloud to the student. It can be either by a human reader or through technology-based solutions. 

Read Aloud Accommodation aims to eliminate barriers related to reading difficulties. It ensures that students’ performance reflects their true understanding of the test material rather than their reading ability.

Key Points about Read Aloud Accommodation

Types of Read Aloud

There are two primary methods: human and technology-based. In a human read-aloud, a person reads the test content to the student. Alternatively, a computer or device reads the content using synthesized speech in technology-based read-aloud.

Effectiveness

Earlier, I mentioned that some students with disabilities perform better with the Accommodation. However, it does not significantly impact others’ scores. 

Calhoon et al. (2000) found that secondary students with learning disabilities performed better with read-aloud accommodations than without them. Then, Lazarus et al. (2012) found that the impact varied, with some students benefiting, some showing no change, and some performing worse​ (Search Our Work)​.

State Policies

The use of read-aloud accommodations varies by state. Some states allow read-aloud for all students, while others limit it to students with disabilities or English language learners. For example, in Minnesota, human read-aloud is allowed for directions and test items for students with disabilities. However, it is not for general student populations​ (Search Our Work)​.

Perceptions

Both students and educators generally view read-aloud accommodations positively. They believe they reduce test-related stress and may improve performance. Yet preferences lean towards technology-based read-aloud due to the independence it offers students​. 

Implementation

Proper implementation requires that the Accommodation is documented in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan. This ensures that the necessary support is provided consistently across all testing scenarios​. 

What Is a Text-to-Speech Accommodation Example?

The use of text-to-speech (TTS) accommodation tools during instruction and assessment is an example of TTS accommodation in action. 

For instance, a student with a reading disability or dyslexia might utilize Microsoft Learning Tools in Word Desktop or Word Online to have text read aloud. They assist in decoding and comprehension without altering the content of the material. This allows the student to engage with the same curriculum as their peers but in a format more suited to their needs. 

Another practical application involves the use of Read&Write for Google Chrome. It is a free tool that offers TTS functionality, among other features. Students can activate this tool to listen to web pages, documents, or emails read aloud to facilitate access to digital content across various platforms. 

AtlasAIDev offers a Text-to-Speech Pro that can “bring your content to life with Atlas Voice.” This is a perfect example of text-to-speech Accommodation. You may hear multiple realistic voices with advanced voice control features. It also supports multilingual TTS conversations. 

What Is Text-to-Speech Accommodation for Adults?

TTS accommodation assists adults with reading disabilities, visual impairments, or other similar challenges. TTS helps convert written text into spoken words so that adults can listen to the written content. 

Various tools and platforms, like Text-to-Speech Pro, ReadSpeaker, and other TTS software offer these adjustments. People use them in educational and professional settings. 

For adults, Text-to-Speech Accommodation is often used to support lifelong learning and professional development. For example, it can assist individuals in comprehending complex documents, reading emails, or staying updated with current events by listening to articles or reports.

In the same way, TTS enhances the accessibility of digital content. Adults can engage with online resources, books, and other textual materials for this technology. Additionally, they can customize the settings of TTS tools to meet their preferences (like adjusting the reading speed, choosing different voices, or highlighting text as it is read aloud.

TTS is beneficial during assessments for adults engaged in educational pursuits. It helps institutions deliver accommodations by reading text and answers out loud, thereby reducing the burden on organizations to provide human readers. It aids individual test-takers and benefits teachers administering the assessment and the organization required to offer accommodations.

What Is Text-to-Speech Accommodation for Students?

Like adults, Text-to-Speech (TTS) accommodation also helps the students in pursuing knowledge. It involves using technology to convert written text into spoken words. Students with dyslexia, visual impairments, or other reading difficulties can access and realize educational content more effectively.

Key Aspects of TTS Accommodation for Students:

Accessibility and Inclusion

TTS ensures that all students can access the same educational materials. It indeed promotes an inclusive learning environment. By converting text into speech, TTS allows students with reading difficulties to participate fully in classroom activities and assignments.

Customization

Students can adjust the speed, volume, and type of voice used by the TTS software. It allows them to customize the experience to their preferences and needs. This customization can enhance comprehension and retention of information.

Support in Reading and Writing

Text-to-speech Accommodation assists students in reading by providing auditory support. It is helpful for reading-intensive subjects like literature and social studies. It also supports writing activities by allowing students to hear their written work read back to them. Thus, there is less room for mistakes and more chances of improving overall writing quality.

Independence and Confidence

Students can independently access and understand the text by using TTSs. It reduces their excessive reliance on teachers or peers for reading assistance. This freedom boosts their confidence and motivation to engage with educational materials.

Assessment Accommodation

During tests and exams, students can use TTS to read questions and answer choices aloud. So, their difficulties in reading won’t interfere with their ability to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the test material.

What Is Text-to-Speech Accommodation in College?

Text-to-speech (TTS) accommodation in college allows students to access and comprehend academic materials more effectively. For TTS, they need to register with their college’s disability services office and provide documentation of their disability. Upon approval, they can work with the office to identify the specific TTS tools and supports.

Common Implementations of TTS in College

Electronic Textbooks and Articles

According to Mansfield Hall, Centennial College, many colleges offer electronic versions of textbooks and academic articles to the students. They can be read aloud by TTS software. This enables students to listen to their readings to understand and retention of information. 

Assistive Technology Labs

Universities often have dedicated labs equipped with various assistive technologies, including TTS software. These labs provide students with access to specialized tools like the examples I mentioned earlier. 

Classroom and Lecture Notes

You can find some colleges that offer lecture notes that are available in digital formats compatible with text-to-speech software. So, students can listen to notes and revisit key points from lectures at their own pace. 

Exam Accommodations

During exams, TTS software can be used to read students’ questions aloud. It helps them better understand the material and reduce the impact of reading disabilities on their performance​,

FAQs

Conclusion

Thank you for reading this long, helpful blog on Text-to-Speech (TTS) accommodation. Certainly, it significantly enhances accessibility for individuals with reading difficulties, disabilities, or visual impairments.

TTS helps students of all ages, from elementary school to college. It provides auditory support for reading assignments, improving comprehension and facilitating independent learning. Similarly, it is an alternative means of accessing information to advance in educational and professional settings.

If you need an exclusive TTS accommodation tool, you can check out our website. We offer a Text-to-Speech Pro with versatile features at affordable rates.