Mintzatek, Text-to-Speech Conversion Tool Adapted to Users with Motor Impairments

摘要

Text-to-speech (TTS) conversion software tools are capable of generating synthetic voice from written text. These tools are essential for some groups of impaired users who have speech difficulties. In some cases, this limitation is caused by some kind of motor impairment. However, current TTS tools are not fully accessible as contain barriers for those users with limited mobility in upper extremities. This paper presents the most significant accessibility barriers detected for this specific user group. In addition, an accessible TTS tool, Mintzatek, has been implemented based on User-Centered Design (UCD) process. The user interface of the developed tool is adapted to users with limited mobility in upper extremities. All the development process has been guided by two real motor impaired users with plenty of experience in the use of assistive technologies.