Have the web pages read to you - the Browsealoud service

to make our site easier to use we are now offering a speech-enabled service.

All you have to do is to install the free Browsealoud software by following the link on this page.

Click on the logo to Download Browsealoud  (free software)
then follow the "Download Browsealoud" instructions.

Browsealoud is a Windows application designed for use with Internet Explorer 5.5, Netscape Navigator 7 and Mozilla 1.7.3 upwards.

Why have we done this?

Speech enabling our website is another way to use our content for those who find it hard to read. This includes those with dyslexia or learning difficulties, those for whom English is not their first language or anyone with a mild visual impairment. it is not designed to replace other screen readers.

How does it work?

You download a free, small browser plug-in. Once the plug-in has been installed, content on this site can be spoken aloud. You can control the voice, pitch and speed. When you scroll over the text on the website Browsealoud [Opens in New Window]  will read and speak whatever you highlight.

Browsealoud [Opens in New Window]  will read every webpage on our site. it can also read pdfs in Acrobat Reader Version 6.0 onwards.

When you have downloaded the plug-in you will need to re-start (re-boot) your computer before Browsealoud [Opens in New Window]  will operate. You can set it to come on each time you start up - or switch it off if you don't want to use it.

How can I make it work the way I want it to?

Once plugged in, look for the Browsealoud [Opens in New Window]  icon on your system tray, which is usually at the botom right hand of your screen (beside the system clock). Right click on the icon and choose 'open Browsealoud [Opens in New Window]  settings ' from the menu. The speech tab on the settings window lets you choose a male or female voice and change the speed, pitch or volume of the reader.

To read the entire page from where your cursor points, check the 'continue reading from pointer' box. Otherwise Browsealoud [Opens in New Window]  will only read the individual sentences you point to.

What else can I use it for?

Once you have downloaded Browsealoud [Opens in New Window]  you will be able to use it on any of the six district council sites in the county, on Council Direct and on many other public service websites. You will see the text highlighted when you move to a site that has Browsealoud [Opens in New Window]  in action.