Hi-Visibility and Talking Browsers
We have seen how you can configure your browser to make web pages easier to read. For many people, however, still larger text, or speech output, is necessary to enable them to surf with ease.
There are various speech output software packages that can also be used with your browser, as well as speech output software design especially for this purpose.
BrowseAloud
BrowseAloud by TextHelp
One such program is BrowseAloud. When BrowseAloud is running simply move the mouse over some text on a web page and it is read out. No clicking or selecting of text is required.
BrowseAloud is free to download but can only be used on websites that have registered for BrowseAloud support (currently around 200).
This website supports BrowseAloud and, if you have not already done so, you can download a free copy of BrowseAloud.
IBM Home Page Reader
IBM Home Page Reader Screenshot
There are also specialist browsers that can combine hi-visibility features with speech output to cater for those with little or no vision.
One such program is IBM’s Home Page Reader. It presents all web pages in an uncluttered text-only view and speaks out all text, links and picture tooltips.
It allows text to be made much larger than is possible in standard browsers, and uses colour as well as size to indicate different screen elements.
Related AbilityNet factsheets and skillsheets:
- Brief notes on approaches to the use of computers by people with Impaired vision
- Free and Cheap Solutions for People with Vision Impairments.
- Tweaking the Web
- Books On-Line and On Disk.
For more information visit the AbilityNet
website.