TalkButton, available for Macs and Microsoft Word, is text-to-speech software that can be controlled through a toolbar at the top of the computer screen. Audio features such as speed and voice are adjustable, and once an audio file is saved it can be transferred to other devices, such as a cell phone, so the user has the file wherever he or she goes. Available for both Mac and PCs, this software can convert and save any text-filled document into an audio file. NaturalReader, self-proclaimed as the most powerful text-to-speech reader, can turn PDFs, web pages, e-books, and even printed material into spoken word. For reading on your desktop computer or laptop

Here are 10 helpful text-to-speech software and applications that are great assistive technology tools to have at the start of the school year. Text-to-speech software is often a vital resource for students with dyslexia-to aid reading, promote comprehension, and enhance overall literacy skills. As school approaches, parents and students alike should be aware of the resources available to them as they prepare to tackle a new grade, new year, and new learning challenges.