5 March 2023
Microsoft Somali Text to Speech

Dear Microsoft,

We, the undersigned, are writing to you on behalf of the blind community in Somalia. We are petitioning Microsoft to make the Somali text-to-speech ((TTS)) technology available for download as SAPI5, and use by blind individuals in Somalia.

As you are aware, (TTS) technology plays a crucial role in enabling the blind to access written materials, communicate with others, and participate in social and economic activities. Unfortunately, the current lack of Text to Speech ((TTS)) technology in the Somali language is a significant barrier for the blind community in Somalia.

Blind individuals in Somalia are in dire need of (TTS) technology that can convert written text into speech in the Somali language. This will enable them to read and listen to written materials, communicate with others, and perform daily activities more effectively.

We are therefore petitioning Microsoft to take immediate action and make Somali Text To speech (TTS) technology available for download on all Microsoft devices, including Windows, Office, and Edge. This would allow blind individuals in Somalia to have access to the tools they need to communicate and participate in all aspects of society on an equal footing with sighted individuals.

In addition to that, we believe that this is an important step towards ensuring that the blind community in Somalia has equal access to technology and can participate fully in society.

By making Somali Text To Speech (TTS) technology available, Microsoft will help to break down barriers and create new opportunities for the blind community in Somalia. It will also demonstrate your commitment to accessibility and inclusion for all, regardless of disability.

We urge you to consider our request and take immediate action to make Somali Text to speech (TTS) technology available for download and use by blind individuals in Somalia.

We urge you to consider this petition and take action to make a real difference in the lives of the visually impaired in Somalia.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Ahmed Alasow

Update 07 March 2023

Fg:

Marka aad formka buuxiso ku dhifo Sign this Letter, kadib tag Email-ka aad ku buuxisay qeybta fariimaha ee inbox kadibna fur lingiga kuu soo dhacay kadibna guji halka ay ku qorantahay confirm signature si saxiixaadu u diiwaangashmo.

Update 07 March 2023

FG:

Marka aad formka buuxiso ku dhifo Sign this Letter, kadib tag Email-ka aad ku buuxisay qeybta fariimaha ee inbox kadibna fur lingiga kuu soo dhacay kadibna guji halka ay ku qorantahay confirm signature si saxiixaadu u diiwaangashmo.

9,653
signatures
6,270 verified
  1. Muscab, Somali/muqdisho
  2. Abdikarin Dahir Hussein, Student, Mogadishu Somalia
  3. Ahmed Abdirizaq Ahmed, Student, Somalia/Garowe
  4. Ismail Abdinasir Gureye, Teacher, Ilays organization for the blind, Garowe Somalia
  5. Abdiwali Mohamud kulan, Student, Mogadisho/somalia
  6. Abdifitah hassan, JOURNALIST, Somali, Disability Journalist, Mogadishu
  7. Ahmed Abdulkadir Mohamud, Minstry of Raligious Affairs, Mogadisho
  8. Abdirahin kulane, Student, UDHAN, Mogadisho
  9. Ibrahim Abdullahi Mohamuud, Teacher, Somali Association for the blind, Mogadishu
  10. anonymous, Parliament, Mogadishu
  11. Abdulahi abdirahmaan, Student, Udhan, Mogadishu/ somalia
  12. Hodan ali dahir, Student, Women disability human right at fuck is organization, Mogadishu
  13. Ibrahim mohamed ale, Student, Somali visual impaired youth organization, Somalia/Mogadishu
  14. Abdulfatah, Gamur, Gobalr, Boramaa
  15. Raphael Tewodros, Marketeer, Abbott Laboratories, Leuven
  16. Abdullahi mohamed nor, Student, Somali visually impaired youth organization, Mogadishu/Somalia
  17. Esomali, Student, Nairobi
  18. Abuukar, Arday, Hiiraan
  19. Ali aadan, Student, Mogdishue somali
  20. Elmi Osman Elmi, Student, Golaha Barbaarta Araga La’, Sandane
...
6,230 more
verified signatures
  1. Maxamed, Student, UNIVERSITY, Mugdishu-Somali
  2. Kadar, Freelance, Mpu, Mogadishu
  3. Abdulkadir Abdullahi Abukar, Student, Hormuud Telecom, Mogadishu
  4. Hassan Ahmed Muse, Teacher, School, Galkio
  5. Mohmed Ali Omar, No organisation, Mogadisho
  6. Apdi Razack mohomed, Business man, Business development team, Mogadishu
  7. Yusuf Mohamed Hassan, Student, Uniso, Mogadishu
  8. Mohamed Osman Nunow, Student, University, Mogadishu
  9. Najib, Student, Urur la an, Muqdisho
  10. anonymous, Student, No, Ethiopia jigjiga
  11. Abdirahin Ali, Student, MaxTech, MOGADISHU
  12. Miski abdishakuur, Student, Student, Mugdidho
  13. Ahmed Osman Ahmed, Busdriver, Bus companny, Marsta
  14. Ikraam mohamoud abdi, Student, W.h.o, Mogadisho
  15. Abdideck Ibrahim, Proposal Writer, Fatxi-Gargaar Civil Society Organization
  16. Daha mohamud hussein, Teacher, Somali deaf school, Mogadisho
  17. Abdikarim Mohamed Biyow, Teacher, Notary office, Mogadishu,Yakshid
  18. Safiyo Cali ibrahim, Student school, Muqdisho
  19. Mohammed Abdikadir Adem, Teacher, DAYSTAR ACADEMY-BRANCH 2, Mogadisho
  20. mubaarak, mogadisho