Listen to our site

We provide a free accessibility tool called ReachDeck (previously known as BrowseAloud) on our website to provide speech, reading and translation support.

How to use ReachDeck

ReachDeck icon image. Click on the ReachDeck image, in the bottom left-hand corner of your page, to launch the toolbar.

What ReachDeck does

ReachDeck adds speech, reading, and translation support to our website. It makes online content more accessible for people with dyslexia, low literacy, English as a second language, and those with mild visual impairments.

Features include:

  • Text-to-speech
  • Dual-colour highlighting
  • Translation
  • MP3 maker
  • Screen masking
  • Text magnification
  • Web page simplifier
  • Pronunciation modifier

The toolbar

There are several icons on the toolbar. Each button performs a different function - you can hear text read aloud, translate it, convert to MP3 and add a screen mask. 

You can magnify text, simplify web pages, and set your own personalised settings.

ReachDeck toolbar image.

Text to speech

ReachDeck reads text on a web page out loud. There are two options:  hover to speak and speak the current selection. 

Hover to speak

Hover to speak is turned on by default when the toolbar is launched. So, to hear text read aloud you simply hover your mouse over the text or click on the text if you’re on a mobile device.

Image showing the Hover to Speak button on the ReachDeck toolbar.

Speak the current selection

This is similar to the 'Hover to speak' tool. The difference is that this tool will read a highlighted section of text. If you don't select text, it will read out the entire page. 

Image showing the Speak the current selection button on the ReachDeck toolbar.

Translation

This allows you to translate web pages into 99 languages and can speak aloud 40 of those, in a high quality, natural sounding native voice.

Image showing the Translation button on the ReachDeck toolbar.

MP3 generation

This feature converts any text that you select from a web page, into an audio file that you can then listen to later, at home, or on the move.

Image showing the MP3 button on the ReachDeck toolbar.

Screen mask

This feature allows you to apply a colour filter to your screen. A semi-opaque mask extends across the screen, leaving a letterbox reading window clear, allowing you to focus on a few lines at a time.

Image showing the Screen mask button on the ReachDeck toolbar.

Text magnification

This feature magnifies the text as it’s being read aloud.  You can personalise the font, size and colour to suit your needs in settings.

Image showing the Text Magnification button on the ReachDeck toolbar.

Simplify

This feature removes page clutter and distractions, such as pictures, allowing you to focus on the text you want to read.

Image showing the Simplify button on the ReachDeck toolbar.

Settings

Personalise the features to suit your own specific needs, including the following:

  • highlight colours for text-to-speech and text magnification
  • voice speed - there are five speeds to choose from 
  • screen mask - select your mask type, size, colour and opacity
  • text magnifier - choose from five size options 
  • identify links on a web page with a personalised word or phrase
  • change the toolbar theme and text highlights colours.

Image showing the Settings button on the ReachDeck toolbar.

Help

Texthelp provides information about the ReachDeck toolbar on their website.

BrowseAloud is now the ReachDeck toolbar (texthelp.com)

You can watch a video on how to use ReachDeck features on Youtube.

ReachDeck features - how to use guide video (youtube.com)

For further information about accessibility on this website, view our accessibility page.

Accessibility

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