A multi-language, portable text-to-speech system for the disabled.

Previous experience with speech output aids for blind and non-vocal persons has shown great promise. The need for individual adjustments and the relatively small market, makes flexible, programmable aids necessary. A modular microprocessor text-to-speech system has been developed that is portable and battery-operated. This prototype has been adjusted to several different users. Programs for different languages have been developed. Connection of text sources is simplified by standardized interfaces. One special attachment is a 500 symbol Blissymbol board and a related Bliss-to-speech program that transforms the symbol string to well formed sentences.