Improving accessibility

The ReachDeck Toolbar (previously BrowseAloud) is available on every page of our website to help make our online content more accessible and usable for everyone. 

The toolbar can read webpage text out loud and provide some translation. It can be used on a range of devices including your smartphone, tablet, PC or Mac.

About the ReachDeck Toolbar

The ReachDeck Toolbar is free which means that there is no need for you to download or buy any additional software to benefit from this service. It can be used across different website browsers from Google, Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Internet Explorer.

How to use the ReachDeck Toolbar

Simply click on the orange SPEAK button, which can be found in the footer (bottom left) section of every webpage.

image of the reachdeck toolbar with its features


Features include: 

  • Text-to-speech reads on-screen text out loud with read along highlighting
  • Translation allows words to be translated in multiple languages
  • Picture dictionary displays word meaning through illustration
  • MP3 maker converts online content into MP3 files for easy listening
  • Screen mask with reading pane reduces the visual stress and improves the focus
  • Text magnifier will magnify even the smallest of text and read it out loud
  • Webpage simplifier creates a simplified view of a webpage and removes distracting content. 

You can watch this helpful YouTube video for a quick overview of the ReachDeck Toolbar features.

Audience

Anyone can use the ReachDeck Toolbar for online reading support such as listening to the online information instead of reading it.

It is particularly beneficial if you have:

  • Dyslexia
  • Low literacy
  • Mild visual impairments
  • Or when English is your second language. 

Website

Support

You can get additional support in the following ways: