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For additional information, see the Accessibility Design and Features page.

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1 to skip navigation links and go to the main content.
2 to move to the top navigation links.
3 to skip the Introduction section.
4 to move to the side navigation links.
5 to move to the bottom navigation links (these include both the top and side navigation links).
6 for the search query input field.
7 to submit search query.
8 to use the Screen style sheet.
: to use the Negative style sheet.
9 to use the Text style sheet.
r to use the Text in large font style sheet.
# to print this page.
l to use the Aural style sheet.
& for Link Suggestion.
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w for Work Phone.
d for Wireless Device / Pager.
x for Contact Preference.
e for E-mail.
f for Fax.
y for Company.
t for Street.
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a for State.
/ for Post or Zip Code.
o for Country.
u for URL.
b for Membership.
h for Membership Number.
z to Send the message.
c to Clear (reset) the form.

Access keys are activated by pressing Alt (for Windows) or control (for Mac) and the access key character (in some browsers, the access keys are activated by releasing the Alt or control key, then pressing the access key character, then pressing the Enter key). The Tab key will also get you through the page.

Because Cascading Style Sheet (CSS) positioning rules are used in the style sheet, you may find that only Alt 1 (top) works in the latest visual browsers. All four keys should work in older browsers that don't support CSS positioning standards.

 ccessbility SIG

Society for Technical Communication

 
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Speech

* Introduction * Recent and Relevant

Introduction

This page contains information about speech accessibility and communication aids for people who are unable to talk, or to talk clearly. These users may have acquired brain damage, autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, intellectual impairment, or strokes. Many speech recognition systems are unable to recognize the speech of these users because they are based on average speakers. Because of the inconsistency of most impaired speech, speaker dependent systems do not have a high rate of accuracy. Speech recognition should not be the only form of input. In addition, some users with impaired speech may have additional motor skills accessibility problems because of impaired dexterity.

Speech accessibility includes difficulties with language and meaning, and difficulty producing intelligible speech. Language and meaning difficulties are covered on the Cognitive page.

 

PDF Note:  Some hypertext links may take you to Portable Document Format (PDF) files. See the PDF File Information in About This Site for how to download and install the free Acrobat® Reader™ plug-in for your browser.

Offsite Links Note:  All offsite links open in a new browser window.

Reference Books and Resources

There are several excellent books related to speech. See the suggested reading list for general information and detailed reference books for your library.

See the Resources pages for links to Learning and Speaking resources and Speech resources on the Web.

Disclaimer

The AccessAbility SIG does not diagnose, prescribe, or endorse. We simply provide information to those who want it. For more information about product endorsements and other disclaimers, please see our Legal Information page.


Recent and Relevant

Advances in Converting Text to Speech

  • Apple® Accessibility Features built into all Macintosh computers provides adjustable keyboard, an ergonomic mouse, CloseView screen magnification software, Easy Access system software (StickyKeys, SlowKeys, MouseKeys), electronic documentation, key-repeat disable, text-to-speech synthesis and voice recognition (PlainTalk), sticky mouse, and visual alert cues.
  • TTS: Synthesis of audible speech from text AT&T Labs' Natural Voices™
  • Speech resources

Contact Us

Send comments, questions, and suggestions to the . Or contact the A-SIG Co-Managers directly:

 

Karen Mardahl
A-SIG Co-Manager:
international issues
E-mail:

Lisa Pappas
A-SIG Co-Manager:
strategic planning, administration
E-mail:

 

Karen Mardahl
A-SIG Co-Manager:
international issues
E-mail:

Lisa Pappas
A-SIG Co-Manager:
strategic planning, administration
E-mail:

 

Send link suggestions and Web comments to the .

 
Last updated: 24 February 2008
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