What is Browsealoud?
Developed by TextHelp Systems Inc., Browsealoud is a solution that allows visitors the option of having website content read to them. As the website visitor moves the cursor over text, it is spoken aloud. Browsealoud is free to download and you have control over the voice, word pronunciations and speech highlighting.
How does it work?
The visitor downloads a small browser plug-in free from Browsealoud or the enabled site. Once the plug-in has been installed, content on the enabled site can be spoken aloud. Browsealoud is FREE to the visitor using the solution. The content provider subscribes to Browsealoud to enable the content annually.
Individuals simply point the mouse at the text to have Browsealoud read it aloud. They can set the voice, pitch and speed of the reading.
Screenshot of Bnowsealoud settings
What kind of sites should speech enabled?
- Government: federal, provincial and municipal
- Schools, colleges and universities
- Businesses wanting to reach a larger market
- Non-profit organizations, particularly those serving individuals with reading difficulties
What sites are currently using Browsealoud?
Here is a partial list of speech enabled sites:
- About Kids Health, Hospital for Sick Children
- Canada.com
- Canada Benefits
- Canada Revenue Agency
- Independent Living Resource Centre, St. John's, Newfoundland
- Learning Disabilities Association of Canada
- MSN
- Special Needs Information Service Directory Online
- Soaring Eagle Communications
- Yahoo
Several sites, including universities and colleges, are currently in their trial period. Check back often as this list will be updated as sites subscribe to the Browsealoud service,. (Go ahead and bookmark this page.)
Who benefits from Browsealoud?
Browsealoud is intended for website users who have:
- a learning or cognitive disability,
- a mild visual impairment,
- low literacy skills, or
- who are ESL.
Browsealoud also reperesents a significant benefit to other users, since studies have shown that people remember only 10% of what they read, only 20% of what they hear, and remember 50% of what they both read and hear.
What are the system requirements?
- Operating Systems: Windows 95, 98, 98SE, 2000, ME, XP, NT and NT4
- Pentium 350MHz Processor
- Sound card and speakers or headphones
- 128 MB RAM (256MB recommended)
- 20 MB free disk space
- Recommended Browsers: Firefox, Internet Explorer 5.5, Netscape Navigator 7, Mozilla 1.7.3 upwards.
How do I speech enable my site?
Simply email Soaring Eagle Communications to indicate your interest in speech enabling your website. We will then contact you to verify information. Websites can generally be speech enabled within a matter of minutes.
Once your site is speech enabled, you can listen to your site by downloading the free Browsealoud plug-in. After installed, the blue Browsealoud icon will appear in your system tray (near your computer clock).
To listen to your site content, you may need to update Browsealoud:
- Double click the Browsealoud icon
- Choose the About tab
- Select "Update Browsealoud"
Once updated, as you move your mouse over your site, the Browsealoud icon will have a red check mark, indicating the site is speech enabled.
How much does this cost?
Browsealoud is a subscription service based upon the type and size of your organization. A discounted price is available for non-profit organizations. Contact Soaring Eagle Communications for details.
Is there a free demo?
Yes, there is a 30-day free trial version. Contact Soaring Eagle Communications to begin your free trial period.
Where can I find more information about Browsealoud?
Email Soaring Eagle Communications or visit the Browsealoud site for more information.
©2005 Soaring Eagle Communications