Devices Offering Great Solutions (DOGS)

Speech-to-Text

 

Tools to turn your voice into written text.

 

About Speech-to-Text 

 

Speech-to-text systems turn spoken words into written text. The device will type out everything that is said on a visual display (ex: tablet or computer screen). These tools can be helpful for people who have difficulty writing.

What kinds of speech-to-text systems are there?

Built-in Dictation on your Device

iPhones and iPads have a built-in dictation feature. You can use this to send texts, write notes, and send emails. You can even use this to search the web or post on social media. In the box where you type is a microphone icon. Tap the microphone and start talking. You will see the written text appear in the box on the screen.

You can also turn on “dictate” settings within your computer. Here are some links about how to do that on a Windows, Mac, or Chromebook computer.

Built-in Dictation in your Programs

Your word processor, your email provider, and even your internet browser might offer their own dictation features.

One example is dictation in Microsoft Word. Make sure your computer microphone is working. In Word, click the “Home” tab and then select “Dictate.” When the red light and box appear, you can start talking. It will write along as you speak.

Another example is Google Voice Typing. You can use your voice to type when in the Google Chrome internet browser. This feature works in Google Docs and Google Slides (for speaker notes). Make sure your computer microphone is working. When in Google Docs, click “Tool” and then “Voice Typing.” Click the microphone icon on the screen and speak. To finish, click the microphone icon again to close out.

Paid Speech Recognition Software

Paying for speech recognition software can be worth it if you have a voice that is difficult to understand or if you use a lot of special vocabulary. For example, there are programs that specialize in recognizing speech for legal, medical, law enforcement, or professional vocabulary. One popular choice is Dragon Speech Recognition. The more you practice with this software, the more accurate it gets with understanding your voice.


Related Apps

 

  • Dictation -Speech to Text
  • Dragon Anywhere
 


How can I find out what’s new?

Technology changes all the time. To find out about the latest options for these, you can type keywords into a search engine such as Google, Safari, Firefox, or Bing on a computer or tablet. These are the keywords for this type of item:

 

  • speech-to-text
  • dictation software
  • voice transcription
  • voice typing

 


How do I find out more?

If you live in the US outside of Pennsylvania, you can find your state’s AT program.

If you live in Pennsylvania:

  • you could contact TechOWL to work with a specialist. We can meet with you and sometimes demonstrate this equipment. We can also help with different ways to get one for your own.
  • you might borrow this equipment to try out.

Are these in Pennsylvania’s AT Lending Library?

 YES