DYT Operations Manager Anja Teichert takes us through the latest piece of accessible tech to arrive right here on the Driver Youth Trust Website…

The Driver Youth Trust is dedicated to improving the life chances for learners with literacy difficulties, dyslexia or visual impairments, English Language Learners and those learning English as a Second Language, and as such, we wanted to make sure that all our online content and resources are as accessible as possible.

Therefore, we’re delighted to announce that we’ve added speech, reading and translation support to our Driver Youth Trust website with Browsealoud.

This innovative tool from Texthelp helps the millions of people out there who struggle to access and understand information online. In the UK, over 12 million people have print disabilities such as dyslexia, low literacy, mild visual impairment and over 8 million people speak English as a second language.

Try it out on our website – www.driveryouthtrust.com Can you see the orange launchpad on your screen? Click it to launch the Browsealoud toolbar. All you do is hover your mouse over any text to hear it read aloud. From a touchscreen device you’ll have to click on the text to hear it.

Browsealoud can translate our website into 99 languages and read 40 of the most commonly spoken languages out loud. There are many other ways that Browsealoud can help you. For example, text magnification, which enlarges text and reads it out loud to you.

You can convert selected text into an MP3 audio file. This is particularly useful for anyone with a visual impairment.

The screen mask tool blocks distractions on screen with a tinted mask and the web page simplifier removes clutter from the screen, displaying only the main text.

Finally, you can customise options to suit your individual needs and preferences by going to the Browsealoud settings. For example, you can change the Highlight Theme for Text, change the voice speed or change the screen mask colour.

With assistive technology, such as Browsealoud, you can navigate our website with greater ease and confidence. We hope this addition to our website reflects our commitment to accessibility and inclusion for all.

For more information on Browsealoud, follow these links (Introducing Browsealoud, Browsealoud Features) or check out our step-by-step video guide!