Speech Synthesis: Technology for Disabled People.

Alistair D.N. Edwards, Ph.D. Brookes Publishing Co., P.O. Box 10624, Baltimore, MD 21285-0624. 176 pages. Softcover, $29.

This book discusses and shows how, through the use of machines, the power of speech can be given to disabled people who would otherwise be unable to communicate. Synthetic speech is used in two ways by disabled people: as a replacement for natural speech and as a means of communicating complex information to people who cannot receive it by other means, such as blind computer users. This book covers both forms of use, showing the features they have in common, but separating out the differences. This book should be of interest to those who use or would like to use speech synthesis, speech therapists, teachers and others involved in special education, human-computer interface designers, rehabilitation engineers, and health professionals interested in the use of modern technology in socially useful applications. Because of its extensive glossary, this book is accessible to readers with a technical background as well as to those with less such experience. It can also be a valuable resource since it includes abundant information on available products.