In today’s digital world, information is provided via text, images, icons, buttons, links, and more. Students use a variety of electronic devices to access their curriculum, including LCPS-provided Chromebooks and iPads, as well as personal computers, tablets, and smartphones. Text to speech and screen reader features, applications, and extensions can help students with varying abilities more readily access information. 

Text to speech tools convert digital text into audio on computers, tablets, and smartphones. These tools read aloud text, including image descriptions (Alt-Tags), on webpages, Schoology courses, Microsoft Office applications, Google Workspace applications, PDFs, emails, and more.   

There are many text to speech tools available, depending on the type of device the student is using. Some are free and built into the device’s operating system. Some third-party text to speech applications can be added to the device, either for free or for a fee.

When reading the text aloud, many text to speech applications also highlight the words and sentences as they are being read, providing visual cues in addition to the audio. The reading speed and voices can often be customized.

LCPS students and staff have access to Texthelp’s Read&Write for Google Chrome extensions to use with Google Workspace apps, Microsoft Office apps, PDFs, Schoology modules, and Chrome browser websites. The Read&Write for Google Chrome, OrbitNote, and Screenshot Reader extensions all include text to speech features. 

The video below titled Read&Write for Google Chrome™ – Text to Speech describes how to use some of Read&Write for Google Chrome’s text to speech features.

iOS devices, including iPads and iPhones, have built-in text to speech features called Speak Selection and Speak Screen. The video below titled How to Use Text to Speech on iPhone or iPad describes how to access these features.

Screen readers provide much more extensive information than text to speech applications. In addition to reading text aloud and descriptions of images provided in the alternative text (Alt-Tags), screen readers also read aloud content or convert to Braille various screen elements including menu titles, headings, buttons, icons, links, folder and file names, and more. Screen readers enable students to use the computer’s operating system and navigate through websites, documents, forms, and other digital content using keyboard shortcuts. 

Screen readers are built into many operating systems, including Windows’ Narrator, iOS’ VoiceOver, Android’s TalkBack, and Chrome’s ChromeVox. Some third-party screen readers can also be added or downloaded to the device, either for free or for a fee.

Check out the following videos that demonstrate how to use some built-in or free screen readers.

Using ChromeVox on a Chromebook

Using VoiceOver on iOS devices

Using Narrator for Windows

Using NVDA for Windows

There are many other text to speech and screen reader tools available. Start exploring to learn more!