BrowseAloud Toolbar
BrowseAloud has many features to assist those with dyslexia, literacy
difficulties, mild visual impairments and where English is a second language.
BrowseAloud features and options are accessed from an easy to use, floating
toolbar. They include:
- Hover Highlighting
- Text Selection
- Translator
- Dictionary
- Screen Masking
- MP3 Maker
Hover Highlighting
When visiting a BrowseAloud enabled website you simply need to place your mouse
over the text to have it read to you. You will notice that the text is read
aloud and highlighted at the same time. This audio-visual reinforcement
increases word recognition and improves reading.
Text Selection
As an alternative to Hover Highlighting, you can select specific text to hear
it read aloud. You will notice that the text is read aloud and highlighted at
the same time, just like the Hover Highlighting feature.
Translator
If you find text on a BrowseAloud enabled website that is written in English,
French, German, Italian or Spanish and you are having trouble understanding the
text, BrowseAloud's Translator can help. BrowseAloud will translate
word-for-word between each of five languages: English, French, German, Italian
and Spanish. Translations are read aloud in the corresponding languages,
improving word recognition, pronunciation and comprehension.
Dictionary
If you find a word on a BrowseAloud enabled website that you don't
understand, the BrowseAloud Dictionary can help. You can look up accurate
definitions from an extensive database of words and definitions. Website owners
can add words and definitions to this dictionary for their own website.
Screen Masking
If you want to focus on a particular area of a BrowseAloud enabled
web page, the Screen Masking feature can help. BrowseAloud can alter the
appearance of your screen by adding a colour filter to your whole screen with a
letterbox reading window or with an 'electronic ruler'. This masking feature can
benefit those with certain visual impairments and learning difficulties.
MP3 Maker
Listening to web pages does not have to be limited to your computer.
BrowseAloud has the ability to convert any text that you select from a web page
and convert it into a sound file. You can listen to it later in the car, at
home, or on the move. Website Owners can make MP3 files to host and stream
directly from their website.
BrowseAloud Options Panel
BrowseAloud is ready to use immediately after download, however,
BrowseAloud also has a number of options available to adapt the software to
suit individual user preferences. This includes having the ability to use other
voices and to change the colours used when highlighting.