I tried running the WAVE accessibility report and my blog page appeared with multiple small icons and each icon had some corresponding explanation and fix. This was a pleasant surprise for me as it covers the whole page and goes down to every text or link. The fixes it mentions are well justified and provide ample explanations that are easy to understand, and WAVE works well to help people identify issues that may have been overlooked or not considered important.
With regard to the text-to-speech feature there is no doubt that it is very helpful to individuals with visual impairments or learning disabilities. I have tried several text-to-speech programs. I found Speechify and NaturalReader to have the closest sound and intonation to a real human voice. And I liked that they had the feature of being able to choose a favorite voice. I think it will affect the efficiency of the listener to receive the information. Secondly, Read Aloud, although it is the easiest shortcut extension, has a very bad sound and speech rate. As you can see from my screenshot, it can read aloud selected text at any time, but as a user I can only do basic things like read aloud or pause. This resulted in me not really wanting to listen on. I think the different voices affect the user experience because certain voices will be clearer, and choosing your favorite voice will also help the user understand the content better. Especially for visually impaired learners, their preferred voice will also give them a more comfortable and reassuring feeling.
Hi, Xiaotong. I agree with your idea! Selecting a preferred voice allows users to choose the voice they find most comfortable and understandable. Choosing different voices and adjusting voice settings can enhance accessibility for all users, especially those with specific preferences. Thank you for sharing these!
Hi Xiaotong, I am very interested in your blog, especially your views on text-to-speech. I think what you said is very right. This function is undoubtedly very helpful to people with disabilities, but I think that converting this function into a tool to increase learning efficiency requires more optimization. But trying this feature is indeed a different experience.
Hi XiaoTong, diving into the WAVE report turned out to be quite the detective work on your blog, uncovering hidden accessibility clues that many of us would miss. It’s cool how it spells out exactly what needs fixing, making web accessibility less of a chore and more of a ‘aha!’ moment.
And when it comes to voices in text-to-speech tools, you’ve hit the nail on the head. It’s not just about getting the words out; it’s how they’re delivered that counts. Having the option to pick a voice that doesn’t just talk at you but talks to you can make all the difference. It’s like having a conversation instead of just being read to, which for anyone, especially those relying on these tools, is a game-changer for a more enjoyable and connected learning experience.