Text-to-Speech Programs
http://www.readplease.com/ - Read Please 2003 - Reads any text you see on your screen - all purpose text-to-speech software.
http://www.naturalreaders.com - NaturalReader is a Text to Speech software with natural sounding voices. This easy to use software can convert any written text such as MS Word, Webpage, PDF files, and Emails into spoken words. NaturalReader can also convert any written text into audio files such as MP3 or WAV for your CD player or iPod.
http://www.donjohnston.co.uk/catalog/rolsolofrm.htm - Good readers read strategically. Struggling readers lack critical comprehension strategies to make sense of the text. "As children learn to read they are able to decode the text by orchestrating a range of cues. To become fluent readers they must also understand or comprehend what they read" (The Standards Site). Auditory feedback alone is not enough to ensure comprehension. This is why Read:OutLoud uses strategic comprehension supports to further thoughtful interactions between reader and text. These supports improve comprehension skills so readers gain true understanding of concepts in curriculum subjects like science and history.
Demos of Text-to-Speech software
http://www.nextuptech.com/ - TextAloud uses voice synthesis to convert text into spoken audio. Listen on your PC or create MP3 or WMA files for use on portable devices like iPods, PocketPCs, and CD players. Directly open Word, PDF, and HTML files. Automatic iTunes/Ipod syncing. Advanced Pronunciation Tools. Toolbar plug-ins for Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Outlook. Optional premium voices for a wide variety of accents and languages.
http://www.wordq.com - WordQ™ is a software tool used along with standard writing software. WordQ suggests words for you to use and provides spoken feedback to help you find mistakes. Users of all ages who have problems writing and editing, particularly those with learning disabilities (LD), can benefit from using WordQ.
http://www.acapela-group.com/download-infovox-desktop-text-to-speech-demo.html - Infovox Desktop V.2 is the voice that makes your computer speak and your life easier. Infovox Desktop is an open SAPI text-to-speech engine that lets you access your computer through your favourite screen reader, screen magnifier or other accessibility application.
Speech Recognition
http://www.wordq.com - SpeakQ plugs into WordQ and adds simple speech recognition. Conventional speech recognition systems are designed primarily as a productivity tool for persons who have no trouble writing (and dictating) or as an alternative hands-free access tool for persons with physical disabilities.
Graphic Organizers
http://www.mindmeister.com/ -Collaborative Online Mind Mapping - MindMeister brings the concept of mind mapping to the web, using its facilities for real-time collaboration to allow truly global brainstorming sessions. Users can create, manage and share mind maps online and access them anytime, from anywhere. In brainstorming mode, fellow MindMeisters from around the world (or just in different rooms) can simultaneously work on the same mind map and see each other's changes as they happen.
http://bubbl.us/ - Bubbl.us is a simple and free web application that lets you brainstorm online. You can: Create colorful mind maps online; Share and work with friends; Embed your mind map in your blog or website; Email and print your mind map; and, Save your mind map as an image.
http://www.twiddla.com/ - Mark up websites, graphics, and photos, or start brainstorming on a blank canvas. Browse the web with your friends or make that conference call more productive than ever. No plug-ins, downloads, or firewall voodoo - it's all here, ready to go when you are. Browser-agnostic, user-friendly.
http://www.xtimeline.com/index.aspx - xtimeline is a free web-based timeline. Easily create and share timelines with pictures and videos
