What is Kurzweil?
Kurzweil 3000 is literacy software with a Text-to-Speech program that will read textbooks, articles and the web aloud. Kurzweil also has many tools for writing and study support. The user can choose from a variety of voices, reading speeds and languages. Kurzweil also has a dictation feature for hands free writing support.
What are Kurzweil's Features?
Kurzweil has many features, although they can most easily be grouped into three main categories: text to speech, speech to text and annotation and study features.
Kurzweil’s text to speech feature reads aloud a text. You can change the voice and the reading speed. Kurzweil is compatible with pdfs, and also has several languages asides from English. Kurzweil will also highlight what is being read aloud, allowing you to read along. There’s also the option to save readings in mp3 form.
Kurzweil’s speech to text option allows you to supplement their notes and annotations, without needing to type.
Finally, Kurzweil has many study features that also work on pdfs. It’s annotation features include highlighters and sticky notes. You can export your annotations to a separate document. Kurzweil also has a built-in dictionary, translator and a Pictionary. Finally, Kurzweil has templates that you can use to take notes about a text, or make an outline with your ideas.
What are the benefits of Kurzweil?
Kurzweil can help you if you struggle with following along with readings, or focusing when reading. Kurzweil highlights each word as it reads and reinforces your ability to focus and gain reading comprehension.
Who can benefit from Kurzweil?
Anyone! It’s text to speech function makes pdfs and other documents accessible to someone with a visual impairment. The text to speech function can also make comprehension easier if you have other disabilities, such as dyslexia. Kurzweil’s other functions, such as the ability to create an outline while reading, and make notes or annotations can also help those with learning disabilities organize their thoughts more easily. If you get distracted easily, Kurzweil highlighting as it reads can help increase focus.
Kurzweil can also benefit you if you don’t have a disability. The text to speech function can help relieve eye strain from reading online, and its annotating capabilities can help you annotate online texts for classes.
How do you access Kurzweil?
All Wellesley students can access Kurzweil through their Wellesley domain, without the need for a documented accommodation. You can access Kurzweil either by going to the following link: ADR's assistive tech page, or by going to the ADR’s website, clicking on general information on the menu and then going to assistive technologies. A link is provided to activate your account, and you can sign in with your wellesley.edu email address.