There is a diverse selection of applications, extensions, and tools available for listening and reading content online. For example, you can download screen readers to your personal computer or smart devices either free of charge or for a small fee. These screen readers read the content of the webpage out loud to the user.
Most browsers have built-in accessibility features. Likewise, most mobile devices include screen readers. In addition, frequently used office programs have similar features. Different software meant for reading PDF files, keyboard-based screen readers for blind people, as well as other programs are also available. Reading applications that use gestures or key commands usually require a bit of practice at first.
There are several listening and reading aids listed on Celia's website.
DATERO, an ICT centre for special needs groups, provides information and instructions on listening, using text-to-speech tools, improving concentration, and how to alter materials on different devices.
Android: Built-in TalkBack feature.
iOS: Built-in VoiceOver feature (gesture-based).
Chrome: Text-to-speech Read Aloud extension. Change the language in the Options menu.
Edge: Accessibility features. Right click on top of the page, then select Read aloud. Change the language in Voice options.
Firefox: Read Aloud extension. Change the language in the Options menu. Other Firefox accessibility features.
Windows 10: Narrator screen-reading app and other accessibility features.
Windows: NVDA or Non-Visual Desktop Access (information available in Finnish and in English) is a free, downloadable screen reader. Used with key commands, which requires some practice. NVDA is meant for the visually impaired.
Adobe Acrobat DC: Accessibility features and Read Aloud feature. Tool is meant for listening to PDFs. NOTE! PDFs must be coded to be read, the language must be selected first (default language English), and reading may proceed in sections.
PDF files (most of them): Read Out Loud tool in Adobe Reader: Open file > View > Read Out Loud. NOTE! Not all PDFs are coded to be read out loud and the language must be selected first. Also try using the text-to-speech extension on the browser.
O365: Speak text-to-speech feature for Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and OneNote.
Excel: Text-to-speech feature.
More information about the accessibility features in Office.
This resource has been licensed with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. It does not apply to photos or videos unless otherwise stated.
