Welcome to Polly Speaks 4U Accessibility 7! Our latest version is packed with features designed to make your life easier and more connected. Whether you need text-to-speech capabilities, advanced spell checking, or voice recognition training, Polly Speaks 4U has got you covered. Explore the new functionalities and see how we can assist you in your daily tasks.
The Polly Speaks 4 U interface is designed to be simple and easy to use, especially for text-to-speech and text management. Here's a quick look at its main parts:
Main Form (Pollyspeaks4u)
RichTextBox1: This is where you can type and view text. It supports rich text formatting, so you can edit text in detail.
Top-Level Controls
Buttons: The form has various buttons for actions like handling files and formatting text. They are organized into clear categories:
File Operations: Includes options like New Document, Open Document, Save Document, Print, Save as Audio, Save As, and Exit. These options are available through context menus, making it easier for users, especially those with dyslexia, to find what they need without getting overwhelmed.
Text Styling and Formatting: Options for text styling (Bold, Italic) and formatting are clearly separated to reduce confusion and make them easy to access.
Design Features
Menu Ribbon: Instead of a complex Windows ribbon, the interface uses simple headers and menu items in Arial Black, size 12. This design choice helps avoid overwhelming users and makes the interface more readable.
Menu Strip: Contains options for file operations and text formatting. Clicking on these menu items opens more options or dialogs. The menu items work like drop-down menus on modern websites, allowing for easy navigation and larger text areas for better visibility.
This design helps create a more accessible experience, reducing cognitive load and making it easier for users to find and use the features they need.
Overview of GroupBox Controls
In Polly Speaks 4 U, GroupBox controls are designed to offer a flexible and user-friendly way to access and customize essential features and settings. These controls are especially tailored for users with specific accessibility needs, enhancing both functionality and ease of use.
GroupBox Controls
Customizable Features: Users can easily adjust the following settings:
Speech Speed Control: Modify the speed of text-to-speech (TTS) output.
Volume Control: Adjust the volume of the TTS output.
Select TTS Voice: Choose from different voices for text-to-speech.
Background Highlighter: Apply a background color to highlight text for improved visibility.
Zoom Bar: Zoom in and out of the text area to enhance readability.
Reading Text Aloud: Start or stop reading text from the RichTextBox.
Pause/Resume Speaking: Control the playback of spoken text.
Speak from Cursor: Begin reading text from the current cursor position.
Paragraph Numbering: Add or remove numbers from paragraphs for better organization.
Design and Accessibility: GroupBox controls are presented in extra-large Arial Black fonts to improve readability. This design ensures users can easily navigate and adjust settings without cognitive overload.
Interactive Features
Drag-and-Drop: Users can drag and reposition GroupBoxes to customize their workspace according to their preferences.
Minimizable: GroupBoxes can be minimized to streamline the interface when certain features are not needed.
Hidable: Users have the option to hide GroupBoxes to reduce clutter and focus on their current tasks.
These interactive features allow users to tailor their interface for
comfort and efficiency.
Saving Files in Polly Speaks 4 U
Polly Speaks 4 U provides a straightforward method for saving files, ensuring that users can keep their work secure and organized. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Open the Save File Dialog: Go to the 'File' menu and select 'Save As'. This action opens a dialog where you can specify the file path and name.
Specify the File Path: If the folder does not exist, the program will automatically create it to ensure your files are saved in the desired location.
Choose the File Format: You can save your work in various formats, such as RTF or Notepad. Select the appropriate format from the options provided in the dialog.
Save the File: After specifying the file path, name, and format, click 'Save'. Your file will be securely stored in the chosen location.
This process ensures that users, including those with accessibility needs, can easily and effectively save their work without any complications.
With these features and improvements, Polly Speaks 4 U aims to provide a comprehensive and user-friendly experience for all users, including those with dyslexia and other accessibility needs.