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A guide to using Kurzweil text-to-speech software

What is Kurzweil?

Kurzweil is software is used to improve accessibility to print and electronic text for people who are visually impaired or have learning differences. The software can read scanned documents out loud. Located at a computer station in the Education Learning Center (ERC), this computer has an attached scanner for reading books and other documents. Headphones specifically for use with the Kurzweil software are located in circulation for check out and must be returned at the end of the session.

Quick Start

Open the Kurzweil software by double clicking the icon

To Read a Book or Document using the scanner:

  1. Place item on scanner
  2. Click the "Scan" Icon on the Main Menu Bar
  3. Once the item is scanned, click "Read" or hover the mouse over the text to start automatic text-to-speech

To Read a Digital Document:

You must open the document using the Kurzweil software for it to be read aloud.

  1. Click the "Open" Icon on the Main Menu Bar
  2. Browse to select the document you would like to read
  3. Once the document loads, click "Read" if it does not start to read automatically or hover the mouse over the text

To Write:

This will create a simple text file that can be copied and pasted into other software applications but does not have a lot of formatting functionality.

  1. Click the "New" icon on the Main Menu Bar in the top left corner
  2. When the cursor appears, start typing. When you hit "Enter" the software will read what you have typed

 

Login Info

The Kurzweil computer has a specific login.

Username: Kurzweil

Password: auctr2019?

 

These login credentials only work for the computer with the Kurzweil software, located in back of the Education Resource Center.

Getting Started

Kurzweil software is easy to use. To get started, double click the Kurzweil 3000 icon to launch the program. The software will automatically begin to narrate the navigation pane as you mouse over it.