Scottish Boys With Learning Difficulties Finally Get 'Male Synthetic Voice'

Boys With Learning Difficulties Given A Voice - Called Stuart
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A synthetic male voice called 'Stuart' has been launched to help boys in Scotland with speech and learning difficulties.

'Stuart' joins 'Heather', the current Scottish synthetic voice available to pupils, so that boys can, for the first time, have a male voice to use during their studies.

Pupils will also be able to have books, learning materials and exam papers read out by Stuart.

The voice was developed by CALL (Communication, Access, Literacy and Learning) Scotland, based at Edinburgh University, using £27,000 of funding from the Scottish Government.

Children's minister Angela Constance said: "The launch of Stuart today underlines my commitment to ensure that all of Scotland's children and young people get the most from the learning opportunities available to them.

"The Scottish voice technology enhances pupils' inclusion, participation, access to the curriculum and independence, helping pupils reach their full potential."

Paul Nisbet, senior research fellow at CALL Scotland, said: "From today, pupils with visual impairment, dyslexia or reading difficulties will be able to have books and learning materials and exam papers read out by Stuart, and boys with speech difficulties who use communication aids will be able to speak with a high quality Scottish computer voice."