The UK’s Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) has announced the launch of two new TechDis tools as part of the work to improve access to education for all abilities. The tools were launched by John Hayes MP, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning.
The tools, TechDis Voices and TechDis Toolbox, seek to improve text-to-speech and provide a one-stop toolbox of resources, aimed primarily at helping people with disabilities or other difficulties to improve their work and learning.
TechDis Voices will seek to improve the computerised voice people hear when they choose to listen to a voice read out text from a device. The new TechDis voices are projected as two high quality, youthful and modern voices - Jack and Jess - that can be used with text-to-speech tools.
JISC TechDis has reportedly worked with hundreds of learners and the specialist synthetic voice company Cereproc to ensure that Jess and Jack meet high standards. For instance, the software could help one multitask and listen to texts whilst travelling or exercising. It is said to be especially useful for people with print impairments, such as dyslexia, and can also be very helpful to those who are more confident with spoken rather than written English.
TechDis Toolboxis a collection of resources that give useful hints and tips on technologies that can help individuals work smarter, quicker and more efficiently. While written primarily for those with disabilities or difficulties, it is useful for anyone who wants to gain or improve on the skills most valued by employers.
The toolbox explores many common workplace technologies such as Microsoft Office and Google and explains how to get the most out of them. It also suggests different tools for different needs.
The two new tools were announced in Hayes’ plenary speech at the 7th National Digital Conference.
