Speech-to-Text Technology on Mac OS X Computer Access for Individuals with Disabilities

To find the speech recognition options on a Mac, click the apple in the upper left corner of the screen, and select System Preferences from the menu. First, click here Then, click here

In the System Preferences window, select Speech. This option is pointed out above. Click here

Speech Recognition allows the user to control the computer using his/her voice instead of the keyboard and/or mouse. With Speech Recognition, the user can use Speakable Items to navigate menus and to open, close, control, and switch between applications, among other functions. This feature does not perform dictation.

Select the type of microphone that will be used for input. – A line in describes any microphone that must be plugged in to the computer, such as a microphone headset or a desktop microphone. – An internal microphone is one that is built-in to the computer. When the microphone has been selected and connected (if necessary), click the Calibrate button to calibrate that microphone. Click here to calibrate the microphone

The user must follow the instructions on the screen to calibrate his/her microphone. Click done when calibration is complete. When finished, click Done

Listening Key: Listening Method: – Listen only while key is pressed: If selected, the user must hold down the listening key (Esc in the example above) the entire time he/she is speaking. This is a good option if the computer is being used in a noisy environment, as it helps to control how much the computer is taking in. – Listen continuously with keyword: If selected, the user can set the keyword to be Keyword is: – Requested before each command: This will also allow for more control of what the computer takes in when the user is in a noisy environment. – Optional before commands: This allows for hands-free use of Speech Recognition, with the downside being that the computer takes in all noises in the environment. Upon Recognition: – Speak command acknowledgement: Check here to be certain that the computer has acknowledged the users command. Choose a sound for acknowledgement of recognition.

Select from the menu at the left which items are likely to be included in the users commands (these may be items that the user cannot access using a mouse or keyboard, but is likely to require access to). Click here

Refer to the tips provided for performing spoken commands in the Speech Recognition feature.

Mac Resource To read more about accessibility options offered by Mac, go to: – n.html n.html