Over the years, we have written about countless apps, websites, and tools to help individuals with learning and attention issues. Unfortunately, a lot of these resources can get rather pricey. If you’re looking for free or more affordable options for your student or kiddo, keep on reading!
I was diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) when I was entering sixth grade. One of my biggest challenges in school was reading comprehension. I would often read the same sentence, paragraph, and/or page dozens of times – and have no idea what I just read. One of the accommodations on my Individualized Education Plan (IEP) was to have text read aloud to me, which helped tremendously.
Nowadays, there are several online services that can convert text into audio files to be read aloud.
4 online text-to-speech tools to help with reading:
Please note the following tools are not just beneficial for individuals with learning and/or attention issues. They may also prove useful for students with physical or cognitive disabilities.
1. NaturalReader:
First up on the list is NaturalReader, which offers free text-to-speech right on their website! You can simply paste text or import documents into the online tool, press play, then listen and read along as the text is read aloud. One of the website’s neat features is the Dyslexic Font option, which can enable a more dyslexia-friendly font.
Users also have the option to customize the speed the text is read, as well as what voice they’d like the text to be read in.
Click here to learn more about NaturalReader.
2. Rewordify:
According to the website’s description, Rewordify “is powerful, free, online software that improves reading, learning, and teaching.” The website can:
- Simplify difficult English for faster comprehension
- Effectively teach words, for building a better vocabulary
- Help teachers save time and produce engaging lessons
- And much more!
Click here to learn more about Rewordify.
3. Online OCR:
Online OCR is yet another free*, useful tool for individuals in and out of school. It converts text from PDF images into digital text using optical character recognition (OCR). Once the text is converted, the files can be read aloud with text-to-speech.
*Note: the website converts up to 15 images per hour for free. Users can purchase additional images (50 for $4.95).
Click here to learn more about the Online OCR service.
4. TTSReader:
The TTSReader is another free online service that reads text aloud. Users simply drop the text into the box and click play. Just like NaturalReader, it offers multiple voice and speed options.
In addition to being easily accessible online, users can also check it out on Google Play or add it as a Chrome extension.
Click here to learn more about TTSReader!
