Dragon Naturally Speaking V15 (Dictation)

Cost: Paid Application (No free Demo for Laptop/Desktop) / Mobile App | Platforms: Desktop and Laptop / App for Android and Apple 

Dragon Naturally Speaking is an Assistive Technology that has been available for many years and is well established. It has a number of functions but primarily it allows the user to create written content with their voice (Speech to Text). Along with this feature it has the ability to read back written information too. 

Most useful for: People who may find typing a challenge and need an alternative to creating written documents. 

Its key features are: 

• This Speech recognition software allows people to write documents with their voice rather instead of typing. 

• The software can be trained to adjust to your voice so you can get the best experience possible. 

• Documents can be not only created but edited also by voice commands. 

• It also allows you to create customised voice commands for specific tasks. 

• Create email and web searching functions. 

• You can listen back to your dictated text. 

• Also, allows you to transcribe your recordings. 

Our Top Tips 

1. When you create an account with Dragon, a profile is created that grows as the software becomes attuned to your voice. Save this profile periodically-this profile file can be downloaded, and save to a secure location. Should anything ever happen to your device and you lose the software you can reinstall it in another device and upload your recent profile. 
2. Also, check the requirements of the software and make sure your laptop/desktop has the necessary requirements to run Dragon to get the best experience possible. 

Similar Tools: 

• Voice Typing in Google Docs. This free feature is a great way to try speech to text software. 

• Dictate tool in Office 365. Another free tool in Microsoft that allows you to type with your voice. 

Demonstration of Dragon Home Version 15 in Action 

Video source: Nuance Communications, Inc. YouTube channel 

Go to the Dragon Website> 

Get More Advice:  

• If you are a student in Higher Education, speak to your Assistive Technology Officer or Disability Officer /Learning Support Officer.  

• If you are a Student in the FET/ETB then it may be possible to speak to an Educational Needs Coordinator, Learning Support Coordinator, Student Access Officer, Student Support Coordinator or a Disability Support Officer for more information about assistive technology.  

• If you are an Employee and are interested in this technology then speak to your Disability Liaison Officer (public service) or your Line Manager to start the conversation.