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Accessible Learning

Text-to-speech software for exams

Functional impacts of a disability- or chronic health condition can hinder a student’s ability to read. For example, a student may have a learning disability in reading or a vision impairment.

Text-to-speech software reads aloud a text document with synthesized speech. A student can use such software to supplement their visual reading during an exam.

The CAL Assessment Program is available to support instructors implementing this accommodation. Please see the accommodated assessment support section below.

Student responsibilities

Provide text-to-speech software if your exam will be written on your own computer, for example, online exams through Brightspace, Exam4, etc. You can contact the CAL Adaptive Technology Program for support.

Attend a text-to-speech software orientation with the CAL Assessment Program, if needed. Email to request your software orientation and schedule for a time convenient for you.

Instructor responsibilites

Provide the student with access to text-to-speech software for exams. Engage central and departmental supports if you cannot provide text-to-speech software.

Ensure exam is compatible with text-to-speech software. Consult with CAL’s Adaptive Technology Program if your exam uses invigilation software like Respondus LockDown Browser. Invigilation software may conflict with text-to-speech software and may require an alternative exam.

Alternatives

Text-to-speech software on a UVic computer with secure login may not always be appropriate. For example, there may be safety risks in a lab exam. Alternatives include:

  • portable text-to-speech device (contact the adaptive technology program)
  • allow the student to use their own portable computer
  • human exam reader

Exam compatibility

Most exams are already compatible with text-to-speech software. If the exam is primarily written questions with only a few images or charts, then likely no additional work is needed.

Text-to-speech software can typically read any text that you can highlight, such as with your mouse or finger.

Text-to-speech software typically cannot read text embedded in images. This is often not a problem for small amounts of text, like labels on charts. The student and instructor should discuss the student’s needs if the exam will contain images with text.

Exam invigilation software like Respondus LockDown Browser blocks many text-to-speech programs. The instructor may need to disable Respondus or provide an alternative exam without invigilation software.

Contact CAL’s Adaptive Technology Program if you have questions about the compatibility of your exam.

How to help

Provide exam files in PDF, Word or web format.

Schedule an adaptive technology workshop to learn about the technology your students use.

Accommodated assessment supports

The CAL Assessment Program can provide text-to-speech software on exam computers for students with this accommodation. They can also convert physical and digital exam copies to a format compatible with the software. Contact the CAL Assessment Program if you have questions about the software they provide or requesting accommodated exam invigilation for your students.

Learning and Teaching Innovation's Online Assessment Room is a Zoom invigilation service for online exams.