The free, downloadable add-in for Microsoft Word enables for the translation of millions of Open XML documents into DAISY XML, the lingua franca of the globally-accepted Digital Access Information SYstem (DAISY) standard for digital talking books. The DAISY Consortium was formed in 1996 to harness the rich capabilities opened up by the transition from analog to digital technology. And to ensure that "all published information is available to people with print disabilities at the same time and at no greater cost in accessible, feature-rich, navigable format." DAISY-formatted files allow users to scroll through auditory content using simple keystrokes to hone in on specific sections, and configure its playback to skip over items like footnotes. DAISY material can be played on dedicated devices or, by installing special software, on PCs.
Start translating your documents now with the Open XML to DAISY XML Translator:
Download Microsoft Word Add-In XML Translator
DAISY-formatted files allow users to scroll through auditory content using simple keystrokes to hone in on specific sections, and configure its playback to skip over items like footnotes.
DAISY material can be played on dedicated devices or, by installing special software, on PCs.
DAISY works by creating a digital audio file narrating the document's content that maps to a text file with the XML structure of the text marked up.
Download the free DAISY XML Translator M2 Beta add-in from SourceForge.net. Choose the download appropriate for your version of Microsoft Word. Supported versions include Word 2007, 2003 and XP.
Install and run the DAISY Translator Setup Wizard which will automatically add the DAISY Translator option to Word.
Open the Word document you wish to translate or start a new document.
Within Microsoft Word simply select "Save As DAISY." The translator will create a digital file that narrates the document's content for audio narration and maps to a text file with the XML structure of the text.
The original document has now been converted to a DAISY XML standards compliant document for Braille and text-to-speech synthesizers. The translated XML document can then be used in client software such as Book Wizard Producer, upcoming DAISY pipeline-supported software or other available tools to create finalized content.
Microsoft and DAISY Help Enhance Reading Experience for People with Print Disabilities
DAISY Consortium Website: http://www.daisy.org/
George Kerscher on DAISY (Video link to YouTube): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvn31sSbQ5w