KeyStone ScreenSpeaker is designed to assist those who experience difficulty in writing and/or reading. The product has been developed over a period of twenty years with assistance and advice from users, assistive technology professionals and teachers.
KeyStone ScreenSpeaker now includes the SpeechTutor and Ellipsis program modules (each of which can be obtained separately if the full package is not required).
ScreenSpeaker enables the user to hear text-to-speech (TTS) output of what has been dictated each time that they pause. Alternatively, the user can choose to hear each sentence on demand which will be preferable to those who find constant echoing unacceptable. Instead of dictating, the user can type, in which case TTS output can be set to occur after each letter, word or sentence.
Once a section of text has been dictated it can be read out by the TTS system, automatically or by selecting successive passages of text by word, sentence or paragraph. The text can be checked for the presence of homophones. Examples are provided showing how alternatives are used so that the most appropriate can be selected.
Ellipsis is a spelling aid with a difference. It is a remarkable product, having several unique features. Unlike other spelling checkers it has a segmented dictionary. This means that the user can reduce the number of alternative words depending on the frequency of general usage or curricular significance. Search times are therefore speeded up due to the reduced set of alternatives provided.
Ellipsis has a dynamic phonetic spell-checking capability. It caters for a huge range of possible spelling alternatives, provided that they are phonetically valid. Users soon learn not to guess at whether consonants should be single or doubled or on the order of letters in complex vowel groups. Tests have shown that the performance of Ellipsis far exceeds any other spell checkers available on the market.
When a user finds a particular difficulty with the start, middle or end of a word but is confident about other parts of the word, Ellipsis can be set to concentrate on that area of difficulty, eliminating redundant suggestions. Where users have problems mainly in vowels, Ellipsis can be made to concentrate on providing support in this area.
When a word in a Microsoft Word document requires checking it is transferred using a "hot key" to Ellipsis for checking. Once a suitable alternative has been found, it is transferred back to the document and automatically replaces the word originally selected.
For those who are dictating using voice recognition, the problem of spelling a word correctly in the voice recognition correction box is overcome in a similar manner. Using another "hot key" the attempt in the correction box is transferred to Ellipsis for examination. A suitable alternative is then selected and automatically replaces the attempt in the correction box. Once the "OK" button is clicked on in the correction box, the selected word is transferred to the document
SpeechTutor is a unique teaching, learning and assessment resource designed to help text creation where there are significant difficulties with speech and/or literacy problems.
Users quickly become independent, using voice recognition - there is no need for a teacher to be in constant attendance.
Assessors can quickly identify the likelihood of success in using the system - enabling specific issues to be addressed right from the outset.
SpeechTutor provides an invaluable confidence-building environment. The computer prompts the user to repeat sentences and then matches prompt with attempt using a unique scoring system. The user can try again or move on to the next example. The user's confidence grows as scores rise steadily.
Teacher and user work in a simple text window without the complexities of a word processor. However, the flexibility of the system allows the teacher to change settings to suit the needs and limitations of the individual student.
SpeechTutor also provides a tool for trouble-shooting problems and computer hardware faults. Anybody who has struggled with suspect microphones will appreciate this support.
