Text to Speech and Screen Reader Compatible

What’s the difference between “Text to Speech” and “Screen Reader Compatible?”

Text-to-Speech and Screen Reader are two different accommodations, with very different purposes. Text-to-Speech is an embedded tool that is available as an accommodation and provides a read-aloud option for all item content. The user can select parts of a question, passage, or an answer option, and the text will be highlighted and read aloud. It gives only a brief description of graphics, because it assumes the user can see.

On the other hand, screen readers are not built into the test platform. Screen readers, such as JAWS or NVDA, are third party software typically used by blind people to navigate their computers and the internet without vision. It can take time to learn to use them, as they require many keyboard shortcuts and can be personalized. They generate speech output, and/or braille output (if a braille device is connected). When screen readers are used on the ACT, they will read all text, all properties of the page, and detailed descriptions of graphs and figures intended for blind people. These include references to the braille books and tactile graphics supplements (which are provided with the screen reader accommodation so examinees will have access to graphic information and mathematics in a physical, spatial way even if a braille device is unavailable.)

Text to Speech	Screen Reader
Requires an accommodation. Triple time is given with this accommodation.	Requires an accommodation. Triple time is given with this accommodation.
Tool that is built into ACT test platforms	Third-party software, not provided by ACT, such as JAWS, NVDA, or VoiceOver
Designed for examinees who can see detailed graphics/images, but need reading support	Typically used by students who cannot see
Reads only the item content (passages, questions, answer options)	Reads all text on the computer screen, all properties of the page, and aids navigation
Short description of graphics/images	Detailed description of graphics/images including references to the braille and tactile graphics supplements
No configuration needed	Some configuration is needed – users often have specific screen reader settings and preferences that should be tested and ready ahead of time. It is up to the examinee to know how to use any third-party assistive technology.
No supplemental material needed	Braille books in the student’s preferred contracted braille code are provided as a supplement. These include all item content and tactile graphics. If preferred, a smaller tactile graphics supplement can be provided.