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Re: [Athen] online text to speech

for

From: Ryan Hemphill
Date: Aug 6, 2012 3:46PM

We use ReadSpeaker on our platform but we don't consider it to be a 'screen
reader' because it cannot handle interactive sites. The only people that
benefit from the ReadSpeaker tech are usually sighted users. It certainly
doesn't qualify as a comprehensive solution.

Ryan

On Mon, Aug 6, 2012 at 5:15 PM, Pratik Patel < <EMAIL REMOVED> > wrote:

> Hello Marshall,
>
> Disclaimer, I am the owner of a consulting firm which works with many
> colleges and universities about their web strategies, accessibility design,
> and usability.
>
> Generally, we do not recommend that you employ services like this for
> making
> web sites accessible. It is unlikely to meet the needs of most of your
> users
> who rely on assistive technology. Users who do rely on assistive technology
> will often bring their own assistive technology to experience your web
> site.
> Purchasing this option does not solve a fundamental problem for your site.
> That is-your web site needs to be accessible first in order to make this
> service work well. If it is not, then either this service or the the
> assistive technology that your visitors will be using will not be able to
> access your site effectively. Services like these are often marketed as
> magical solutions that will solve all your problems. But conducting
> development in the right way will often solve more problems than using
> services such as this one.
>
> If your web developers would like training, testing services, or other
> assistance on making your web site more friendly to visitors with
> disabilities, please do not hesitate to contact us.
>
> Warm regards,
>
> Pratik
>
>
> Pratik Patel
> CEO, EZFire
>
>
> From: <EMAIL REMOVED>
> [mailto: <EMAIL REMOVED> ] On Behalf Of
> Marshall
> Bryant
> Sent: Monday, August 06, 2012 4:57 PM
> To: athen-list-u.washington.edu; webaim-forum-list.webaim.org
> Cc: itd-jnl-listserv.icors.org; DSSHE-L-LISTSERV.BUFFALO.EDU
> Subject: [Athen] online text to speech
>
> Is anyone familiar with the online speech to text service Readspeaker? I
> happened to run across the DSS website at Ohio State and they are using
> this
> to read the content of their web site. I want to make our school's website
> accessible with the speaking option, but this is the only service I have
> seen in use so far (and it sounds expensive). I also am curious if there
> is
> anything else out there that can do this for a low cost or even free.
>
> Thanks,
> Marshall
> Please Note:
> Due to Florida's very broad public records law,
> most written communications to or from College
> employees regarding College business are public
> records, available to the public and media upon
> request. Therefore, this e-mail communication may
> be subject to public disclosure.
> > > >



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