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.
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