[gui-talk] audio inquiry

[Ed Barnes]

Hi folks.
I am not sure if anyone on these forums can help, however; I'm all ears
and I am open to any ideas/suggestions which anyone might be able to
provide me.
In my work as a computer support specialist supporting the department
of education one of our consultants is trying to convert a bunch of
e-text files into an audio format for use by students who have
reading/comprehension difficulties due to autism.
She would like to find some way of having the files read in a
relatively human-sounding voice via computer and then have the output of
these files converted to a format which is able to be placed on a cd or
ddvd, for example mp3, etc.
I know that there are lots of programs out there which may be able to
read the material, programs like Read Please www.readplease.com come to
mind in this regard.
However, the second part of this request is what I find a little more
perplexing.
Does anyone know if it is possible to buy any sort of pre-made cable
gadget which will allow us to patch the output from the sound card in
the computer to the line-in also on the sound card to allow us to record
that output to a basic recording program, for example, Total Recorder,
Etc.
Or, if not, has anyone ever built such an animal from scratch, and if
so, can you give me an idea of what's required, cable types, connector
specs, and preferred method of putting it together, I.E., solder with a
soldering pencil or something else... 
Please feel free to forward this note to other listserve discussion
forums where users may be able to help, however; if you do please
specify to potential readers that they should reply to me directly at
edbarnes at gov.nl.ca regarding this inquiry.
Any/all help is gratefully appreciated.
Feel free to call/write if you can assist, or if you wish to save
long-distance charges send me your phone number and a suggestion of a
good time to call and discuss and we'll be in touch.
Thanks in advance - Ed.

Ed Barnes
Computer Support Specialist
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
c/o Dept of Education, Confederation Building, 3rd floor, west.
PO Box 8700 St. John's, NL A1B 4J6
Ph 709-729-6999 / Fx 709-729-5896
edbarnes at gov.nl.ca