Freedom Scientific LSG Selects Wizzard Software to Provide New Voices for WYNN 4

Freedom Scientific Learning Systems Group (LSG) has chosen Wizzard’s www.wizzardsoftware.com offering of AT&T Natural Voices for use in WYNN 4.0, Freedom Scientific LSG’s literacy software tool designed for individuals with reading challenges and writing difficulties.

“WYNN is known for its intuitive user interface and its ease of use. The AT&T 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 for Freedom Scientific, LSG.

Thomlinson noted that the decision to use AT&T 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, AT&T Natural Voices provides them with a good combination of quality and languages, both of which are important to their users.

Powered by the AT&T Natural Voices TTS Engine, WYNN transforms printed text into the spoken word by using a bi-modal approach - simultaneously 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.

A study by the National Institutes for Health & National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, as reported by the US 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 US 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 of 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.

Source: Freedom Scientific Learning Systems Group