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Use Accessibility Tools and Software

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Use Accessibility Tools and Software

Accessibility tools can help with reading text aloud, converting speech to text, and more. This guide covers key accessibility features across popular platforms, as well as useful library resources and tools for academic support.

Text-to-Speech Tools

Text-to-speech tools read on-screen text aloud, making it easier to consume information without needing to read directly. This can be helpful for users with visual impairments, dyslexia, or those who prefer auditory learning.

macOS

macOS offers Voice Over, a screen reader that speaks items on the screen and provides descriptions of what is happening.

To enable text-to-speech:

  1. Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Accessibility
  2. Select Spoken Content and customize options for spoken text

For more details, refer to Apple’s guide on having your Mac speak text that’s on the screen.

Windows

Narrator is Windows’ built-in screen reader, which provides text-to-speech for reading on-screen items. To enable Narrator:

  1. Open Settings > Ease of Access > Narrator
  2. Customize Narrator settings based on your preferences

For full instructions, visit Microsoft's Narrator support page.

iPad

iPads support Voice Over and Speak Screen to read text aloud. To enable this:

  1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Voice Over or Spoken Content
  2. Turn on Speak Screen and swipe down with two fingers from the top of the screen to have text read aloud

For more details, see Apple’s iPad accessibility guide.

Chromebook

Chromebooks offer Select-to-Speak for reading selected text aloud. To enable this:

  1. Open Settings > Advanced > Accessibility > Manage Accessibility Features
  2. Enable Select-to-Speak and follow prompts to select text for playback

More information is available on Google’s Chromebook accessibility page.

Speech-to-Text Tools

Speech-to-text tools allow users to dictate text rather than typing, which can be beneficial for users with physical disabilities or those who find typing challenging.

macOS

macOS provides Dictation, a feature that converts spoken words into text. To use this feature:

  1. Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Keyboard > Dictation
  2. Enable Dictation and start speaking when prompted

For further details, refer to Apple’s dictation support page.

Windows

Windows includes Voice Typing, allowing users to convert speech into text. To use this feature:

  1. Press Windows key + H to open the voice typing tool
  2. Start speaking, and the text will appear on the screen

Visit Microsoft's voice typing support page for more information.

iPad

On the iPad, Dictation allows users to speak text instead of typing. To activate:

  1. Tap the Microphone icon on the on-screen keyboard
  2. Begin speaking to have your words converted into text

See Apple’s guide on dictating text on iPad for more information.

Chromebook

Chromebooks have a Dictation tool for converting speech to text. To use this feature:

  1. Open Settings > Advanced > Accessibility > Manage Accessibility Features
  2. Turn on Dictation to use speech-to-text

Learn more on Google’s Chromebook support page.

Read & Write Extension (Chrome)

The Read & Write extension for Google Chrome offers comprehensive accessibility features such as text-to-speech, word prediction, and tools for Google Docs and web content. To install this extension: 

 1. Visit the [Read & Write extension page](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/readwrite-for-google-chro/inoeonmfapjbbkmdafoankkfajkcphgd?hl=en-US).
 2. Click **Add to Chrome** and follow the prompts to install.
  • This tool is useful for students and faculty who need additional reading and writing support while using Chrome.

Library Resources

Riverdale’s library resources include tools for research, note-taking, and citation management that can assist in academic work:

Additional Support

For further assistance with accessibility tools or library resources, reach out to the IT department or the library staff. They can provide personalized guidance on using these tools effectively for your educational needs.

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