Use read aloud extension for learners with dyslexia or other learning disabilities

DigCompEdu Competence area

5.1 Accessibility and inclusion

Progression Level

Explorer (A2)

Minimum digital skills level of Students

A1

Minimum digital skills level of Educators

A2

Learning/Teaching situation

For speacial needs students.

Target group

Teachers who have students with special needs.

Ingredients

PC/laptop
Internet
Read aloud extension for Chrome or Firefox

Description

Digital accessibility is an important issue that needs to be front and center for educators across the country. However, implementing a comprehensive accessibility initiative throughout an entire agency or institution can seem like an overwhelming task.

Text to Speech (TTS) refers to tools that are designed to convert digital text to speech through a read-aloud function. TTS software and plugins convert text on a screen into speech allowing people with reading disabilities to listen to written words (such as books, newspaper articles, textbooks) on a variety of devices.

How to do it (step by step)

Step 1

Install read aloud extension (Chrome)
Important: You can’t add extensions when you browse in Incognito mode or as a guest.

1. Open the Chrome Web Store. (https://chrome.google.com/webstore)
2. Search for “read aloud”.
3. Click Add to Chrome.

If you’re using a computer through your work or school, your organization might block some extensions.

Step 2

Install read aloud add-on(Mozilla Firefox)

1. Click the menu button choose Add-ons. The Add-ons Manager tab will open.
2. Search for “read aloud”.
3. Click Add to Firefox button to install the add-on to Firefox.

Usage

Select text and then choose one of the following methods :
– Press the extension Button in browser’s toolbar
– Use right-click menu

There is more…

Advanced Usage

Shortcuts
ALT-P : Play/Pause
ALT-O : Stop
ALT-Comma : Rewind
ALT-Period : Forward

Customization
You can change the voice, reading speed, pitch, or enable text highlighting:
1. Click the Read Aloud icon on the Extensions menu.
2. Stop any text that may be playing.
3. Click on the Gear icon in the Read Aloud context menu. (It may take a second or two for settings to appear)