Now supporting RTF, HTML, and DAISY 2.02 files which use human voice on MP3 files, CAST eReader is a text-to-speech software tool designed to support users who have difficulty reading. The flexible user interface enables users to choose between limited or fully equipped toolbars as well as customize the look and feel for ease of use. eReader is available in both **Macintosh® and Windows® versions. From CAST, the educational research company that created Wiggleworks, Bobby, and the concept of Universal Design for Learning. Hear from students and adults like yourself who have used eReader in their everyday lives: User Testimonials.

System Requirements: Windows® 98, 2000, ME, XP operating system, and Mac OS® 7, 8, 9 ** The Macintosh® version does not read the Internet or DAISY 2.02 documents.

Features

See Software Screen-Shots of eReader 3.0

** The Macintosh® version only uses SAPI 4.0 voices and does not read the Internet or DAISY 2.02 documents.

System Requirements

Windows® 98, 2000, ME, XP operating system, and Mac OS® 7, 8, 9

Windows® 98/2000/XP

• Pentium 166 (Pentium 133 if not reading web pages or HTML files)
• 32 MB of RAM (16 MB if not reading web pages or HTML files)
• 125 MB of free disk space available (20 MB if not using web reading capability)
• Windows supported sound card
• 12 inch or larger monitor with 800 x 600 or greater resolution
• Internet Explorer 4.x, 5.x or higher (only for reading web pages or HTML files).

Mac OS® 7, 8, 9

• 68030 or better processor with 12 MB of RAM, or a Power PC with a minimum of 12 MB of RAM
• 2 MB of hard disk space or 8 MB if you do not have Plaintalk installed
• 12" or larger color monitor with at least 256 color capability
• System 7.5 or later

Reasons to Use a Text to Speech Tool Like eReader

For people with learning disabilities, visual disabilities, and reading impairments, print-based text can be completely inaccessible. While in recent years software developers have created electronic screen readers that convert text to speech, few of these programs offer effective control over how the text is displayed and read, nor do they provide flexible reading features that allow teachers to both support and challenge their students. Therefore, for those with learning disabilities, visual impairments, reading disabilities, or language proficiency problems, even electronic text can be difficult to decipher. The World Wide Web poses additional barriers. While the Web provides a great deal of useful, educational information, its reading levels, page design, and emphasis on graphics can make it inaccessible, or even unusable, for some.

Using the principles of universal design, CAST has developed eReader, a versatile, advanced literacy program that helps learners of various abilities gain access to electronic text, while supporting and enhancing their literacy development. Learn more about benefits from CAST's Universal Design for Learning Features.