If a user cannot see the screen but wishes to navigate a website, online shopping, or read an article, how will they perform that task?
They cannot see or read due to any sort of visual impairment or learning disability. But is this the reason they cannot peruse their desired content?
For millions of people with such impairments, this is a real struggle. However, Text-to-speech (TTS) technology bridges that gap. By turning written content into spoken words, it transforms digital spaces into inclusive, user-friendly environments.
The benefits of TTS go far beyond accessibility compliance. From enhancing learning experiences to improving engagement, text-to-speech is a powerful tool for every user, business, and platform.
Let’s understand why digital presence needs TTS accessibility.
Advantages of Text-to-Speech (TTS) integration!
- Empowers users with visual impairments
Traditional websites rely heavily on visual elements – buttons, text, menus, and forms. For people with any sort of visual impairments, TTS enables independent access to websites, apps, eBooks, and other digital content.
Benefits of using TTS:
- Screen reader integration: TTS powers screen readers (like NVDA, JAWS, and VoiceOver) that read out website structure, content, and labels.
- Text interpretation: Reads dynamic content like product descriptions, alerts, form inputs, and social media feeds.
- Navigation support: Assists users explore pages through keyboard shortcuts, offering contextual cues about page layout and hierarchy.
Example: A user browsing an ecommerce website can hear all product categories, compare product features, and complete their checkout – entirely with the help of TTS–enabled navigation.
Important to know that approx. 285 million people globally live with visual impairments. TTS gives them access to education, shopping, healthcare, and communication online.
- Supports people with cognitive and learning disabilities
Users with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or cognitive decline often struggle with dense text, poor layout, or unfamiliar vocabulary. TTS makes information easier to process.
Key benefits:
- Dual-sensory learning: Listening while reading improves comprehension and retention.
- Chunking content: Many TTS tools allow word-by-word or sentence-by-sentence reading, reducing overload on the user.
- Adjustable playback: Users can slow down or repeat phrases as per their cognitive processing pace.
Important to know: According to a study by the University of Twente students with dyslexia showed a 28% improvement in comprehension when TTS was used alongside traditional reading.
Example: Tools like NaturalReader is broadly used by students with dyslexia to absorb academic content more effectively.
- Improves multilingual and literacy gaps
For non-native language speakers or people with limited literacy, TTS can aid understanding by letting them hear how text is pronounced and structured.
Benefits:
- Language flexibility: Latest TTS engines support 100+ languages and dialects (e.g., Google Cloud TTS, Amazon Polly).
- Audio learning: Supports users hear pronunciation and understand sentence structure properly.
- Multilingual toggling: Users can switch languages or use voice interfaces in their preferred language.
Additional note: TTS with multilingual support (like Google Cloud Text-to-Speech or Amazon Polly) is a good to integrate tool.
All in One Accessibility supports 140+ languages.
- Enhances engagement through multimodal interaction
Flat, text-heavy content often fails to capture user attention – especially in education, ecommerce, or customer support categories.
Key benefits of using TTS:
- Engages auditory learners: Some users comprehend information better through audio than by reading.
- Content repurposing: Blogs and articles can be repurposed as audio content for broader reach.
- Emotional connection: Humanlike TTS voices (neural or natural sounding) enhance relatability.
Insight: Podcasts and audio articles are rising in popularity. TTS enables businesses to repurpose written content into spoken formats effortlessly.
- Improves mobile accessibility and UX
Mobile usage continues to rise, but small screens and on-the-go browsing can make reading difficult – especially for users with dexterity or vision challenges.
TTS benefits:
- Hands-free content consumption: Converts blogs, articles, and emails into podcast-like experiences.
- Better for aging users: Larger text and voice navigation decreases reliance on fine motor control and eyesight.
- Integrates with OS-level features: Both iOS and Android offer TTS APIs that developers can build on for a seamless user experience.
- Integrates with OS-level features: Both iOS and Android offer TTS APIs that developers can build on for a seamless user experience.
Example: iOS’s built-in VoiceOver and Android’s TalkBack are TTS systems that allow millions of users to navigate mobile content independently.
Fact: Over 60% of global internet access happens through mobiles – TTS ensures that content is accessible anytime, anywhere, even when screens can’t be seen.
- Supports legal compliance and inclusivity goals
Web accessibility is a law in many countries and its non-compliance can result in costly lawsuits and reputational damage.
TTS benefits:
- Fulfils WCAG 2.1 and ADA guidelines for alternative content formats and reduces the risk of penalties.
- Improves assistive compatibility: Ensures dynamic and non-text content can be consumed with screen readers.
- Demonstrates commitment: Shows that the organization values inclusivity.
Important point: Lawsuits related to inaccessible websites are on the rise. TTS is a practical, proactive step toward compliance.
- Creates a more inclusive and equitable web
Accessibility is about equity, which ensures everyone can access, understand, and benefit from the digital content.
Key benefits of using TTS:
- Designs for flexibility: Users can pick how they consume content – read, listen, or both.
- Strengthens brand reputation: Inclusive brands are trusted and recommended more often.
- Encourages return visits: When users feel seen and supported, they’re more likely to return.
Insight: According to Microsoft’s Inclusive Design toolkit, “designing for one extends to many.” TTS serves not only people with disabilities but anyone preferring auditory content.
Also read: Screen Reader Testing Best Practices
The future speaks with accessibility!
Text-to-speech is not just an accessibility tool – it’s a core component of digital inclusion. Whether a student with dyslexia, a commuter catching up on the news, or a senior citizen with vision issues shopping online, TTS makes digital content accessible, engaging, and usable.
For businesses, it is a profitable investment: wider reach, deeper engagement, better compliance, and a stronger brand reputation. But most importantly, TTS helps close the digital divide – one voice at a time.
Take action:
Add a TTS plugin to the website, enable TTS features in the apps and documents, and test the content with screen readers and real users.
Don’t forget, “When your content speaks, your brand listens – to every user, everywhere!”
Organizations seeking compliance can benefit from All in One Accessibility — a powerful tool that simplifies the remediation process and enhances regulatory adherence. This widget helps businesses create digitally inclusive platforms, reduce legal risks, and expand their audience reach. For further details, you can request a free quote or reach out [email protected].
