Abstract
Synthesized speech was used in our Computer-Based Reading and Speech-Feedback system for training disabled readers. In this system, children touch unfamiliar words in stories presented on the computer display and receive speech feedback to help develop their word decoding skills. Results from a study of disabled readers' responses to the system are reported. The disabled readers could identify words spoken by the synthesizer nearly as well as the same words presented in natural speech. After reading stories and targeting unknown words with a mouse or light pen, the disabled readers were later able to read a high percentage of the targeted words for which they had received speech feedback. Extended use of the system may substantially improve the prognosis for disabled readers. The advantages of synthesized speech over other types of computer speech are discussed for this application.
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