The
free software is called Browsealoud, and is used on an increasing
number of websites in the UK and USA. Browsealoud is a Windows
browser plug-in designed for use with Internet Explorer 4
upwards or Netscape Navigator. If you install the browsealoud
plug-in onto your PC, you can have the web pages on this website
read to you (and other sites that are speech-enabled).
Why speech enable our website?
Speech enabling our website provides
an additional way of accessing our content for people who
find it hard to read. This includes those with dyslexia or
learning difficulties, those for whom English is not their
first language, or anyone with a mild visual impairment. It
is not designed to replace other screen readers.
What is Browsealoud?
Browsealoud is a solution that allows
you to have website content read to you. As you move the cursor
over text, it is spoken aloud. Browsealoud is free to download
and you have control over the voice, word pronunciations and
speech highlighting.
How does it work?
You download a free, small browser
plug-in. Once the plug-in has been installed, content on this
site can be spoken aloud.
Does it work on all pages?
Browsealoud will read every webpage
on our site. It can also read pdfs in Adobe Reader Version
6.0 onwards. This meets the World Wide Web Consortium's (W3C's)
Level A guidelines for accessibility.
Can I customise Browsealoud?
Yes. Once plugged in, look for the Browsealoud icon in your
system tray, which is usually at the bottom right hand corner
of your screen (beside the system clock). Right click on the
icon and choose 'open Browsealoud settings' from the menu.
The speech tab on the settings window enables you to choose
a female or male voice, and change the speed, pitch and volume
of the reader. To read the entire page from where your cursor
points, check the 'Continue reading from pointer' box. Otherwise
Browsealoud will read only the individual sentences you point
to. For further help
and assistance with the Browsealoud product take a look
at the Browsealoud
FAQs on their website.
Downloading Browsealoud
Click on the image below and you will be taken to an external
site where you will find full instructions to carry out
the download and installation. A Browsealoud icon will be
placed in your system tray which is at the bottom right
of your browser.
|
