Official Launch of the USAID-supported Application Developed for Persons with Disabilities

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) supports the development of the innovative assistive devices to ensure the full inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of public life.

The official launch of the Armenian text-to-speech application took place in Yerevan. This tool aims to make advanced technologies more accessible to persons with disabilities and the broader public.

The tool was developed by the Disability Rights Agenda NGO through the Protection, Inclusion, and Empowerment program, funded by USAID and implemented by Democracy International. This new device is designed to assist persons with various types of disabilities (visual disabilities, reading, writing, or other communication difficulties), as well as persons without disabilities who can use these devices to increase the effectiveness of their work, USAID Armenia said in a press release. 

“Today we celebrate an important achievement in advancing accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities in Armenia. The Armenian Text-to-Speech application is more than just a technological solution; it is a testament to our shared commitment to fostering equal opportunities for everyone. By bridging the gap between innovation and inclusion, this tool empowers persons with disabilities to fully participate in public life and access essential services independently,” said John Allelo, USAID/Armenia Mission Director in his speech during the event.

The first phase of the system includes the development of an Armenian-speaking screen reader application compatible with NVDA (Non-Verbal Desktop Access). This application allows individuals with visual disabilities or communication difficulties to use computers, access documents, and browse websites while listening to Armenian speech that sounds natural rather than robotic.

The application is freely available to all state bodies and NGOs, enabling them to develop additional assistive solutions for persons with disabilities and integrating the new voice for personalization and versatility.

“Persons with disabilities are a key focus of the “Protection, Inclusion, and Empowerment” program. This newly developed application serves as an alternative assistive device for persons with disabilities, fostering their inclusion and full participation in social life. We hope this initiative will significantly enhance access to public services and pave the way for the adaptation of other assistive technologies for persons with disabilities,” said Liesbeth Zonneveld, Chief of Party of the Protection, Inclusion and Empowerment Activity. 

For further development and enhancement, the Text-to-Speech application offers significant potential benefits for persons with disabilities across various sectors:

• Educational Platforms: Making learning materials accessible for students with disabilities, enabling more inclusive educational experiences.
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  Public Services: Providing audio content on government and public service portals to improve accessibility and usability.
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  Assistive Tools: Supporting individuals with speech impairments by integrating the application into communication devices, fostering better interaction and independence.
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  ATMs and Banking Services: Enhancing accessibility to ATMs and banking systems for individuals with visual disabilities or communication difficulties through audio-guided instructions, enabling independent management of financial services.

The launch event also included a panel discussion on the critical role of assistive devices and innovative solutions in Armenia’s social protection sector. Additionally, an Accessibility and Inclusion Tech Expo showcased pioneering products and solutions developed by other organizations. Representatives from various government agencies, international organizations, and civil society attended the event, sharing valuable insights and discussing strategies for advancing inclusion through technology.