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Fordham University’s Office of Information Technology, in collaboration with Fordham’s Accessibility Committee, is now providing free access to Speechify for all students, faculty, and staff members.
What is Speechify?
Speechify is a tool that converts digital content—including PDFs, websites, ebooks, and even printed materials—into high-quality audio, making information more accessible and learning more flexible for everyone.
Key Features
Speechify converts virtually any text format into audio through OCR, or optical character recognition, technology. As you listen, real-time text highlighting synchronizes with audio playback, enhancing focus and comprehension through multi-sensory engagement.
Speechify also includes comprehensive study tools like annotations, bookmarks, and highlight extraction to support effective note-taking. Users can customize their experience with different voices, languages, and reading speeds to suit individual needs and preferences.
Although Speechify runs primarily on your browser, you can access it across your devices through mobile apps and desktop applications.
Benefits for Everyone
While Speechify serves as an essential accessibility tool for individuals with reading difficulties, visual impairments, or learning differences, its applications extend to the entire Fordham community. Faculty can listen to academic papers while commuting, multitask during grading, or enhance their own reading comprehension through multi-sensory engagement.
The tool particularly supports:
- Students with print disabilities such as dyslexia
- Individuals with visual impairments
- Those with physical disabilities that affect reading
- Anyone who benefits from audio-learning formats
Getting Started
To access Speechify:
- Click the invite link
- Select “Continue with Google” at the login screen
- Log in with your Fordham credentials
Important note for existing users: If you already have a paid Speechify account using your Fordham email, cancel your subscription before activating your Fordham license. Your materials will remain intact.
Privacy and Support
Fordham does not have access to individual usage data or content. Speechify maintains SOC2 compliance and does not collect data. For assistance, explore the “How To” videos on YouTube or contact support@speechify.com. For more information please visit Fordham page on Speechify.
Looking for assistance in integrating educational technology into your classroom? Visit the EdTech website for resources or reach out to our team!
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