Browsealoud - A brief summary document

What is browsealoud?

BrowseAloud is a product that allows you to have website content read to you. As you move the cursor over the text, it is spoken aloud. BrowseAloud is free to download. You have full control over the voice, word pronunciations and color highlighting.

How does it work?

You simply download a small, free plug-in. Once downloaded, content on BrowseAloud enabled sites can be spoken aloud.

What does it cost?

BrowseAloud is free to the website visitor. The website owner pays an annual subscription to BrowseAloud enable their site.

Who benefits from using BrowseAloud?

Anyone who finds it difficult to read content online will benefit from using BrowseAloud.

For example, people with visual impairments may prefer to hear the content read aloud rather than try reading blocks of text or they may wish to increase the size of the text or convert the text into MP3 and listen on the move.

People with dyslexia and related reading disorders find it difficult, time consuming and intimidating to read text therefore they may prefer to hear the text spoken aloud. They may also prefer to view the text and background colours to suit their individual needs.

People with low literacy levels and those who speak English as a second language are better able to understand English when it is spoken.

Why should a website owner pay for their site to be speech enabled?

It demonstrates your corporate social responsibility.

It shows that you care about the needs of those who struggle to read websites such as those with visual impairments, learning difficulties such as dyslexia and those with English as a second language.

It helps you remain within the legislative guidelines pertaining to making your websites "disabled friendly".

It makes sound business sense; the easier it is to read websites the more likely people will visit and transact online rather than using (more expensive) conventional methods.

How many people use Browsealoud?

With a choice of 17 high quality voices covering 9 international languages, BrowseAloud is quickly being adopted worldwide. Within the U.S., BrowseAloud enabled sites include federal and county government, educational establishments, health authorities, large and small corporate organisations and charitable organisations. For example:

• House of Representatives, DC
• United States Senate
• State of Indianna, IN
• Frederick County Government, MD
• St Mary´s County Government, MD
• City of North Port, VA
• Gloucester County Government, VA
• McHenry County Government, IL
• Prince George County Government, MD
• City of Addison, TX
• City of Plano, TX
• City of Durham, NC
• Charles City County Government, VA
• City of Miami, FL
• Illinois Community College Board, IL
• University of Iowa, IA
• HREA, MA

What is Microsoft Gold Standard?

Texthelp Systems Ltd (the developers of BrowseAloud) works closely with Microsoft to develop their assistive technology solutions. This has led to some of their software being Gold certified for Windows and Texthelp Systems becoming a Gold Certified Partner. In addition to this, Texthelp Systems is an Adobe Solutions Network Developer, an Apple Business Partner, an HP Business Partner and is ISO 9001:200 accredited. For the past nine consecutive years, the company has been a Deloitte Technology Fast 50 award winning company.

How do I find out more?

For more information, please contact TecAccess:
Phone:
(804) 749-8646
Email:
pspicer@tecaccess.net

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