In the United States, approximately 26% of individuals live with some form of disability, with visual impairments affecting around 20 million Americans. While some disabilities are visible, many, like neurodivergence, are invisible. It’s estimated that 15-20% of the population is neurodivergent, including 5.4 million adults with autism, 8 million with ADHD, and 20% of people struggling with dyslexia.

Fortunately, accommodating these needs in training programs and the workplace has become more accessible and affordable. According to a 2022 report from the Job Accommodation Network, nearly half of all accommodations are free, and those that require investment often have a one-time cost of just $300. However, beyond the practical aspect of accommodations, there’s another important driver: inclusion.

Inclusive training isn’t just about meeting legal or compliance standards—it’s about recognizing that today’s learners are tomorrow’s high performers. Offering diverse ways to engage with content not only ensures equity but also positions companies ahead of the curve in terms of employee recruitment and retention. And with learners increasingly expecting multiple ways to access content, there’s never been a better time to make accommodations a priority.

Supporting Neurodivergent Learners: A Key Priority

The first step in creating more inclusive training is recognizing the unique needs of neurodivergent learners. Neurodivergence encompasses a variety of conditions that affect how individuals process information, perceive the world, and interact with others. These learners often face significant challenges navigating environments and materials that aren’t designed with their needs in mind. By understanding how neurodivergent individuals engage with content, we can create learning experiences that are enriching and accessible to everyone.

Offering Multilingual Support

Another key consideration in inclusive design is language. About 22% of people in the U.S. speak a language other than English at home, and for them, language accessibility is essential. Text-to-speech (TTS) tools that include language translation and multiple voice options are invaluable for these learners. TTS technology can help by reading text in a user’s preferred language, or it can slow down English-language content, enhancing comprehension for non-native speakers.

The Curb-Cut Effect: A Lesson in Universal Design

The concept of the “curb-cut effect”—a term used to describe how infrastructure designed to help people in wheelchairs benefits many other groups, such as parents with strollers or travelers with roller bags—applies directly to TTS technology. Just as curb cuts improved accessibility for everyone, TTS tools enhance content for neurodivergent learners and those with visual impairments, while also benefiting auditory learners and anyone who prefers an alternative to reading text. The result is a more inclusive, engaging learning experience for all.

Smart Investment in TTS Solutions

Text-to-speech tools have evolved significantly in recent years. Today, TTS is not only about converting text to speech, but also about making learning content more accessible across a variety of platforms and formats. However, it’s crucial to choose the right TTS solutions that will support learners in the most effective way.

When investing in TTS tools for your organization, consider the following criteria:

1. Universal Availability: TTS should work seamlessly across all content formats, including PDFs, webpages, and documents. Accessibility should not be limited to a particular device, browser, or software platform. Consistency is key, ensuring that learners can easily find and use the tool no matter where or how they access the content.

2. Multilingual and Natural Sounding: TTS tools should offer multiple languages and provide high-quality, human-like voices. Robotic, unnatural-sounding voices can be distracting and frustrating for learners, especially those for whom English is a second language. Realistic voices are especially important for learners with visual impairments, who may rely solely on audio to engage with content.

3. Customizable Features for Learning: Effective TTS tools allow learners to adjust the settings according to their preferences. Features like adjustable reading speed, font, color, and background contrast can make a significant difference, particularly for neurodivergent learners or those with visual impairments. Tools like page masking can also help focus attention by blurring out irrelevant sections of text, making it easier for learners to concentrate on the material.

4. Interactive and Adaptable: TTS solutions that allow learners to interact with content—such as by highlighting text as it is read aloud or enabling note-taking and annotations—can further enhance the learning experience. This interactivity helps learners engage more deeply with the material, improving retention and understanding.

The Benefits for All Learners

The curb-cut effect teaches us that designing for accessibility benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities. TTS technology is no exception. It’s an effective tool for neurodivergent learners, but it also aids auditory learners, non-native English speakers, and anyone who prefers to engage with content in a different way. By investing in TTS tools, organizations create a more inclusive environment that supports diverse learning styles and improves accessibility for all employees and learners.

Final Thoughts

Just as the introduction of curb cuts revolutionized public spaces and made them more accessible, TTS technology is transforming how we engage with learning content. What was once a groundbreaking innovation is now a necessity for organizations committed to creating inclusive environments. As technology improves, the ability to download or stream audio files has become a standard expectation for modern learners.

Ultimately, the drive to make training content accessible and inclusive is no longer just about meeting legal requirements—it’s about meeting the expectations of today’s diverse workforce. By providing flexible, accessible learning options, organizations not only create a better learning experience but also foster a culture of inclusion and support for all employees.