Screen readers can read aloud text from a screen, reducing visual stress and making text easier to understand. Below are some common screen readers that we recommend to students, most of which are already installed on your computer or browser.
For more information on screen readers, or details on how to use screen readers in conjunction with eBooks, please visit our Screen Reader Guide.
With your web page open, right-click anywhere on the page and choose the ‘Read aloud’ option from the menu. You can also go to Settings >More > select Read aloud, or press ‘Ctl+ Shift + U’ to start or stop Read Aloud.
Chromebooks have a built-in screen reader called ChromeVox, which enables people with visual impairments to use the Chrome operating system. You can turn ChromeVox on or off from any page by pressing Ctrl + Alt + z.
On tablets: Press and hold the Volume down + Volume up buttons for 5 seconds. While holding the buttons, you’ll hear a sound to indicate it’s working. Keep holding the buttons, then ChromeVox will start speaking.
VoiceOver is a screen reader available to users of Apple devices. Similar to MS Narrator, it is a built-in screen reader that is easily accessed by pressing the command+ F5 keys or by using Siri. You can use VoiceOver with both the keyboard and the mouse cursor.
We have assistive equipment which can be borrowed from the library for free which can help reduce visual strain.
These include:
If you would like to use any of these, please ask the staff at the front desk if you would like to borrow and use these items.
Many devices have pre-installed accessibility tools. You can find out more about what is available for your device and how these tools work on these "How To" guides.
Read&Write 12 is a literacy support software that provides various tools to assist with reading, writing, and comprehension.
Read&Write offers a full suite of tools including:
When you download the package, you will see a toolbar of icons. You can position this anywhere on your screen.
Read&Write 12 is available to download for free from Apps Anywhere.
You can also find a range of helpful videos on YouTube on how to use Read&Write 12.
SensusAccess is a website that helps you change documents into different formats. These include:
The service can also make hard-to-read documents easier. This includes:
SensusAccess can also translate documents from one language to another.
You can visit SensusAccess for more details on how you can use their services with your studies and request alternative file types.
RNIB Bookshare supports learners with a print disability to access the curriculum. They enable learners who cannot read standard print, including those with dyslexia or visual impairments. They offer a range of accessible formats that can be adapted to suit your reading needs.
Books from RNIB Bookshare are available in a variety of formats. If they only have a PDF file, the book will only be available to download as a PDF. However, if they also have a master EPUB file you will be able to download it in the following formats:
You can find more information on the formats available on the RNIB Bookshare website.
If you would like an RNIB account creating, please contact our Library Accessibility team by email.
Our reservations service is available for library users who require assistance retrieving or finding items on the shelves. Simply reserve the book you require on the library website, and once it is ready to collect, we will email you. You will then have three days to collect your reservation from your selected library. A member of staff will be able to assist you in collecting your books from the reservation area if required, please just ask at the library front desk.
You can also follow our handy video guides on how to find, reserve and collect library items.
If for any reason you are unable to access the text you need on the RNIB Bookshare database, you can use our Scan and Send service. Scan and Send is an electronic document service which allows you to receive scans of book chapters and/or journal articles by email from the library collections.
Any items you request myst be currently held in print in our libraries and must not be available electronically via our library collections.
You can learn more, or make a Scan and Send request, by visiting the Scan and Send guide on the Library website.
