The first text-to-speech application, designed as a tool for the blind persons and persons with visual impairment, has been launched Wednesday.
The first ever Macedonian language audio-reader named Kiko, is free-to-use app developed for mobile and desktop devices to help blind persons and persons with visual impairment to process written information successfully and to navigate digital spaces more easily. Currently Albanian language reader is being developed and soon will be presented.
The text-to-speech app will be suitable for use by persons with learning disabilities, and all other persons which prefer to process information in an audio format.
“For the first time, blind persons and persons with visual impairment in the country have the opportunity to use an adequate modern tool which will empower them to be more independent in all aspects of daily life. It is user friendly and allow text to be read out loud in a clear, natural voice. This application is a huge step forward because at the moment they are listening to a robotic voice, which is inappropriate and incompletely understood,” emphasized Jagoda Shahpaska, Minister of Labour and Social Policy.
“Providing care for the vulnerable categories of citizens for us as a government, but above all for the Minister of Labour and Social Policy remains a top priority. We build policies and take action to meet their needs. And our policies that we are building together are based on the motto of people with disabilities “Nothing for us without us.” We continue our efforts to build a society with equal opportunities for all citizens, which will integrate and include, and not a society that will discriminate and exclude,” Shahpaska added.
Speaking at the launch event, PM Zoran Zaev said that this application, which is easily applicable to all ages using the system of text-to-speech conversion, will enable smooth communication, movement and full inclusion in society and a dignified life of this vulnerable category of citizens.
“Our country ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2011. The government has undertaken the obligation as a UN member to work on its continued implementation, while ensuring equal rights and opportunities for a dignified and independent life of persons with disabilities, as well as other citizens,” Zaev noted.
Speaking at the launch event, Narine Sahakyan, UNDP’s Resident Representative in North Macedonia, said that access to education, employment, but also access to information and communications is essential for people with disabilities.
“Launch of digital tool that will hopefully help those living with visual impairments in North Macedonia not only to overcome such obstacles but also to live more complete and fulfilling life by accessing information in their native language,” she added.
“Kiko application is an important milestone in UNDP’s multi-year commitment to supporting national stakeholders in fulfilling their commitments towards the international convention on the rights of the people with disabilities who must enjoy all human rights and freedoms, but it also aims to protect their dignity, she said,” expressing hope that the application could be the foundation for further development of similar digital products that would make the life of people with disabilities little better.
The development of this text-to-speech solution is a step forward towards improving the quality of life for this group of citizens.
“This digital application will increase opportunities for each blind person in terms of mobility, household chores, studying, socializing, as well as finding employment and earning their own income, and that is invaluable for all of us,“ said Zarko Selkovski, the President of the National Association of People with Visual Impairment.
