Freedom Scientific LSG Selects Wizzard Software to Provide New Voices for WYNN 4.0
PITTSBURGH - Freedom Scientific Learning Systems Group (LSG) has chosen Wizzard's offering of ATandT Natural Voices for use in WYNN 4.0, Freedom Scientific LSG's literacy software tool designed to enhance success for individuals with reading challenges and writing difficulties.
"WYNN is known for its intuitive user interface and its ease of use. The ATandT Natural Voices synthesizers are a perfect complement to the ease of use by making WYNN easy to listen to", said Beth Thomlinson, WYNN product manager, Freedom Scientific, LSG.
Thomlinson noted that the decision to use ATandT Natural Voices was driven by their users who said they would be more comfortable with a more human-sounding voice while they work or do schoolwork. Also, ATandT Natural Voices provides them with a good combination of quality and languages, both of which are important to their users.
Powered by the ATandT Natural Voices TTS Engine, WYNN transforms printed text into the spoken word by using a bi-modal approach - simultaneous highlighting of the text as it is spoken. WYNN's four color-coded, rotating toolbars add a differentiator to this software solution to accommodate different learning styles. The interface is point-and-click. The toolbars emphasize file management, visual and auditory presentation of text, traditional study tools, writing aids and Internet use.
Typical end users of WYNN are students and adults with reading difficulties, including dyslexia and other learning disabilities. Freedom Scientific, LSG currently has users in all 50 states, as well as in Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Puerto Rico, and Mexico using WYNN and the company's other product, TestTalker.
A study by the National Institutes for Health and National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, as reported by the U.S. Department of Education, indicates that about 17 percent of individuals (children and adults) in the general population are considered to have learning disabilities. Since 1992, the percentage of students who spend 80 percent or more of their time in school in special education classes increased from 21 percent to 45 percent, according to the 23rd Annual Report to Congress. According to the U.S. Department of Education, learning disabilities affect approximately five percent of all children enrolled in public schools. Further, dyslexia is also widespread, with upwards of 15-20 percent of school-age children affected. The National Adult Literacy Survey (NALS) found a total 40-44 million of the 191 million American adults (defined as age 16 or older) are considered to be at Level 1, the lowest literacy level.