Is there a Speech to Text option for the Zoom Chat Windows

[mgm0901]

My 36-year-old son has Cerebral Palsy and cannot type. Is there an option in the Zoom chat window on his Apple iPad that will allow Speech to Text?  Thanks, Mike

[Ray_Harwood]

Welcome to the Zoom Community, Mike/ @mgm0901 .

Unfortunately there is no built-in speech to text capability in Zoom on any device. I’d recommend checking with someone well versed in speech to text usage in the iPad in general, and especially from a disability accommodation perspective.

i did find this Apple support article that might be helpful:

https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/dictate-text-ipad997d9642/ipados 

[mgm0901]

Ray:  Thanks so much for the response.

Sean had the dictation option enabled on both of his ipads.  Regardless of whether his microphone is muted or not whilst in a zoom conference, the microphone option is greyed out in the chat box.  This is most unfortunate.

Thanks,

Mike

[ZoomZoom]

HI, @mgm0901 

Just to add to what Ray said, Zoom does support common screen readers, like  NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver.

You may want to check this article: https://www.zoom.com/en/accessibility/faq/

[mgm0901]

@ZoomZoom:  Thanks for the response.  Unfortunately, I'm not sure you understood the request.  My son needs the ability to activate the microphone in the chat window to transcribe his 'speech' to text.

Best Regards,

Mike

[StaceySoleil]

Hi @mgm0901 - This is a great question for any/all guests with this particular accessibility need. From what I understand, the voice over functionality that is used by iOS is primarily leveraged by way of mobile (which from my experience doesn't always parlay into the same settings for iPad), so I wonder if using his mobile might also be an option for your son?
I found this article that also broke down the various accessibility options that Zoom Support shared above as well. https://ialabs.ie/screen-reader-comparison/ 

🙏 👉 If this answer helps you AT ALL, please hit the “Accept as Solution” button down below. 

[mgm0901]

Thanks Stacey but to reiterate, the suggested solutions do not allow speech to text in the Zoom chat box.  iPhones are too small for him.  He has spasticity.  Thanks, Mike

[StaceySoleil]

Darn, I really thought they would. I went down a rabbit hole to see if I could find something (as I'm sure you already have done) and I did find this easter egg...not sure if this will be AT ALL applicable for enabling speech to text with any of the Zoom functionality, but either way I figured I'd pass it along. I can feel the stress you're going through in your message & I hoped to find some aid and assist. Sending goodwill your family's way https://www.steepergroup.com/accessible-technology/steeper-assistive-technology-products/

[mgm0901]

Stacey:  Thanks so much to you and all who have responded for the great suggestions.  Some very interesting accessible technologies.  Unfortunately, neither allows overriding the greyed out microphone in chat.  I’m assuming that the challenge for the Zoom devs is to mute the room mic whilst activating the keyboard microphone whilst in the chat box.  Fingers crossed this could be a future feature for those with similar issues trying to communicate with their community peers.

Thank you all again and have an incredible evening!

Best Regards,

Mike