What is Speechify?

Speechify is an AI Text-to-speech reader that reads, docs, PDFs, articles and emails - basically, anything that can be read. It was created by Cliff Weitzman who is dyslexic.

What is text-to-speech?

Text-to-Speech (TTS) software converts digital text into spoken text. Some software uses a computer-generated voice. Others use a recorded voice recorded by humans. Students can see text and hear it read aloud at the same time.

Text-to-speech Software: What It Is and How It Works

How do I use Speechifyl?

        Speechify has a library of videos under the Learn tab that explains how to use its features - https://speechify.com/#

How does this help students?

• Sometimes, the amount of work it takes for some students to decode is so great, the effort detracts from the student’s ability to read for understanding. TTS takes the weight off so the student has access to learning the content.  The students can read for meaning and participate in discussions at school. For some students, TTS is a tool they can use to help them while they are building their decoding and encoding skills. For others, these reading skills may not be as easily attainable making TTS a critical key for their access to content that is at their developmental level.
• Another critical reason we teach our students these tools is because it gives them the ability to be independent in their learning. Mom, dad, big brother or sister, grandma or teacher are not always going to be there at their side, especially when they get into high school, college and years beyond. Our mission is transition and this means providing tools that help our students be independent learners.
• TTS also serves as a model for helping students understand correct grammar, vocabulary and punctuation. Human readers serve as models for fluency and expression, also important to reading comprehension.
• Sometimes vocabulary is above a student’s listening comprehension level. Having the ability to increase or decrease the level of text complexity increases a student’s ability to understand content at his/her academic level.

How much does it cost (after transition)?

The cost for HPDS students is rolled into the tuition fee. Pricing information can be found on their website at https://speechify.com/pricing/?landing_url=https%3A%2F%2Fspeechify.com%2Fpricing%2F

Does it work on other devices?

It does! Formats it comes in are: Chrome extension, app for iPhone or iPad, app for Android, Mac app, Voice Over Generator and online.

What do I need to know when a student transitions?

• Find out all of the ways text is used for your student’s learning.

• Does the student do research on the Internet?
• Are the textbooks online?

• If not, submit a request to Bookshare to have them converted to accessible text.

• Are the student’s expected to do worksheets?

• Are they available in a PDF format? (It not, refer to PDF Tech Guide).

• A big obstacle for having students use text-to-speech is having access to a digital text. It’s important to come up with a plan with the teacher for how to convert paper worksheets into digital text, such as a Google Doc or PDF.
• Then determine how Speechify integrates with them
• If Speechify is not an option, find and integrate other comparable TTS tools
• Consider headphones if using Speechify  in a large group settings

What else is good to know?

• Chrome extensions do affect computer processing speed on a computer. (8GB RAM or higher and a SATA Drive are recommended). It is recommended to keep only the tools that a student needs enabled in the toolbar. If one is needed temporarily, it can be enabled, then disabled after use.
• If using the download version on a school laptop, ask about how personal settings are set up on the computer. It is recommended that personal settings within the program are saved for the child.
• Teacher Tip! Make sure the PDF is not in a shared space on the Drive. Otherwise, the annotations and text boxes are saved and then anyone using the PDF will have your annotations and be unable to delete them. To make sure this does not happen, make a copy of the PDF before sharing it with students.

Where can I find more information?

Speechify - https://speechify.com/?landing_url=https%3A%2F%2Fspeechify.com%2Fpricing%2F

*Please note that technology and pricing is always changing. This document reflects the most recent known information as indicated by the Last Updated Date at the top of the page.