Speech Enabled web pages - Browsealoud
Browsealoud is a feature available on our website which reads aloud our web pages. The service is intended to help people access the information on our website.
Browsealoud makes using the Internet easier for people who have:
- Low literacy and reading skills
- English as a second language
- Dyslexia
- Mild visual impairments
The service can be accessed by downloading the free plug-in from the Browsealoud website, which will let you hear the text on our site, and other Browsealoud-enabled sites, as spoken word.
How does Browsealoud work?
Once you have installed the browsealoud software you will be able to listen to the website simply by moving your mouse over the text that you want read to you. Browsealoud will read aloud the text you select, helping you to find the information you need more easily.
There is also an option to visualise the words which are being spoken in large lettering at the top of the screen.
The Browsealoud software can also be configured in such a way that a choice of voice styles and colour schemes can be used to make browsing our website easy and enjoyable.
Browsealoud features include:
- Free to download
- Easy to use
- Control of voice, pitch and speed
- User defined hotkeys to activate and deactivate speech
- A pronunciation engine to add words and define how a word is pronounced
- The option to add voices to those already on the computer
- The option to display the words being read in large lettering
- Listen to other Browsealoud enabled websites
Downloading Browsealoud
The Browsealoud website provides detailed instructions on how to download and install Browsealoud on your computer.
Once you have downloaded Browsealoud, an icon will be placed in your system tray which is at the bottom right of your browser.
For further help and assistance with the Browsealoud product take a look at the Browsealoud Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on their website.
For more information on how Browsealoud works, check out the Browsealoud online tour.
Please note: Browsealoud does require some vision to operate therefore it cannot be used as a screen reader to replace software such as Jaws.
