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Re: Talking websites

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From: Moore,Michael (DARS)
Date: Mar 31, 2010 7:57AM

Geof asked about the pros and cons of talking websites.

There is a service called Browse Aloud which I evaluated, that will speech enable websites using a browser plug-in that the user installs. They have some good information on their website about the service and links to places where it has been implemented. The service is not meant to be a substitute for a screen reader or a magnifier but does provide many advantages to people who may use it.

People who understand spoken English but may not be proficient English readers.
People who are dyslexic or have other cognitive disabilities.
People with mild vision issues who have do not use a screen reader or magnifier.

The only cons that I can think of are that it requires a user to install a third party plug-in to use the service and that you have to pay to have your site enabled for the service. Of course the funding for the service needs to come from somewhere.

Mike Moore