Contributed by Lori Markland, Director of Communications, Outreach, and Development, MDTAP
Voice recognition is everywhere. In our smartphones (do you talk to Siri?) and embedded in nearly every customer support 800-line (seriously, have you ever called about your internet or cable services and answered “yes” “no” questions?). Talking to a computer isn’t something new, and it most especially isn’t new in the field of technology for individuals with disabilities. But recently, at an education conference, someone asked about the differences between the Dragon Dictation App and Dragon Naturally Speaking software. Here’s a quick run down, so you can decide what will work best for you or your students/clients/patients:
- An app that allows you to send emails, text messages, dictate status updates directly to your Social Networking applications (Facebook and Twitter) or send notes and reminders to yourself using only your voice.
- Works on smart devices only (i.e. iPhones, iPads, etc., but not on a computer)
- Has a set voice file, meaning that it will always recognize or NOT recognize certain words. It knows what it knows, nothing more.
- It’s FREE
- A comprehensive software package that runs on the computer and allows someone to dictate documents, emails, and search the web all with voice only.
- The user requires training to learn the shortcuts and navigation methods built into the software.
- The software “learns” the users speech nuances and inflections, increasing accuracy the more often it is used.
- Requires a good noise cancelling headset.
- Costs about $100 for an individual user license.
Who Might Use Speech Recognition Software?
- Someone who struggles with writing but has better oral skills
- Consistent speech volume and enunciation
- Ability to think, dictate, read and edit
- Someone who has a good frustration tolerance
As an aside, the Windows 7 operating system includes built-in speech recognition software. This is a free alternative to purchasing software and can be a good introduction to whether or not the software will work for you.
