-- The Kurdistan Foundation has launched the Kurdish Text-to-Speech initiative, known as KTTS, as the first phase of its Innovation for Hope project, introducing accessible Kurdish-language technology for visually impaired users across desktop and mobile platforms.
Photo Courtesy of KTTS Application Launch Event
The KTTS plugin, launched on 25 October 2025, integrates Kurdish text-to-speech functionality with NVDA, one of the most widely used screen readers for visually impaired users worldwide. The software enables written Kurdish content to be read aloud directly through the NVDA system. As of 13 May 2026, the functionality has been extended to iOS and Android platforms, broadening access for users who rely primarily on smartphones for communication, education, and navigation.
"Language accessibility affects how people participate in education, communication, and everyday digital life," said H.E. Areen Barzani, Founder of Kurdistan Foundation. "The KTTS initiative was developed to make Kurdish-language content more accessible for visually impaired users. Accessibility is also about whether people can confidently use the technology available to them. Training and support are necessary parts of making these systems useful in daily life."
To support the software launch, the Kurdistan Foundation distributed 100 computers preloaded with the KTTS plugin to visually impaired beneficiaries, removing the need for additional technical setup. A two-day training program was subsequently organized across Erbil and Duhok as the second phase of the Innovation for Hope project, with more than 75 visually impaired participants trained on installation, navigation, and practical use of the system across digital applications.
While Kurdish digital content has grown considerably in recent years through online media, educational platforms, and mobile applications, assistive technologies for Kurdish-speaking users have not developed at the same pace. For visually impaired users, the absence of localized accessibility tools has historically affected access to education, government information, and independent navigation of online environments.
The Kurdistan Foundation says the KTTS software launch marks a historical milestone for Kurdish-language digital inclusion, with the mobile rollout expected to increase reach and daily utility for users across the region.
About Kurdistan Foundation The Kurdistan Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to cultural preservation, humanitarian support, and technological innovation in service of Kurdish communities. The Innovation for Hope project is among its flagship initiatives addressing digital access and inclusion.
Contact Info:
Name: Sakar Ali
Email: Send Email
Organization: Kurdistan Foundation
Website: https://kurdistanfoundation.krd/
Release ID: 89195212
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