Accessibility of E-Resources: Browsers and devices

Browsers and devices

There is a diverse selection of applications, extensions, and tools 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 already have built-in accessibility features. Likewise, most mobile devices have their own screen readers as well. 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-center 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 (only in Finnish and in Swedish). 

Examples of screen readers and text-to-speech features

Mobile devices

• Android: built-in TalkBack -feature.
• iOS: built-in VoiceOver -feature (gesture-based).

Browsers

• Chrome: Text-to-speech Read Aloud -extension. Change the language in 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 Options-menu. Other Firefox accessibility features.

Other tools

• 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 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.

Image PxHere CC0 Public Domain

Files

(Most) PDF files: 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. Try also 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.

Accessibility features in Office