Embedded Files
To have the text read to you in a computer generated voice
Plug in your headphones
turn the computer sound on
• Click the speaker in the bottom right hand corner of the desktop.
• Turn the volume up or down
If you are using the Internet
Sign in to Google Chrome.
https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/185277?p=mktg_signin&rd=1
This will allow you to bring your extensions with you to other computers.
• Click the Chrome Menu
• Click settings > Sign in to Chrome
Visit the WebStore
• Click Apps on the left side of the screen directly below the back arrow
• Click Webstore
To Add Read&Write an extension that will read web pages to you
• Search for Read&Write
• Click Add to Chrome for BOTH Read&Write and Screenshot Reader
• Open a new Google Document (Google Doc)
• Click the purple RW box under the navigation menu
• Click yes or accept for all of the permissions
• Select the text you want read
• Click play (the arrow) in the Read&Write dropdown menu
• If you can't select the text, click the box with a dotted line and a cursor, then select the area you want read, and click play.
Remember to logout of Chrome if you are on a school computer https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/2390059
• Click the Chrome Menu
• Click settings > Disconnect your Google Account
If Read&Write doesn't work for you (Chrome extension alternatives)
Try SpeakIt! by Skechboy.com
or
ChromeVox
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/chromevox/kgejglhpjiefppelpmljglcjbhoiplfn?hl=en-US
If you have an eBook (ePub file)
*Readium can be used with ChromeVox to have ePub files read to you.
Visit the WebStore
• Click Apps on the left side of the screen directly below the back arrow
• Click Webstore
To Add Readium - an extension that will allow you to read ePub files
• search for Readium
• click Free
• return to the Apps tab (Click Apps on the left side of the screen directly below the back arrow)
• Click Readium
• Locate your ePub file
• click the + sign at the top right of the screen
• upload your file
• click on your book to begin reading
• use the settings menu in the Readium page to control how the text looks
• use ChromeVox to have the text read to you (the directions are under "Internet" at the top of this page)
If Readium and ChromeVox don't work well together on one of the school's computers
• try using the ChromeVox modifier keys +A to toggle the speech back on
• if listening is more important to you than changing the text try installing the app "EMS Epub Reader"
using the same steps you used for Readium
If you are using Microsoft Office on a PC
Open Microsoft Word
Click on the arrow at the right of the “Quick Access Toolbar” (The topmost bar)
Click More Commands
In the Commands from box choose > All Commands
Locate and add > Speak
Click ok
To have text read to you hi-light it then click the new speak button at the right of the "Quick Access Toolbar"
Need to hi light the text then click the speak button in the WAY top bar
If you are using a PDF file on a PC
Locate your file
Open your file in Adobe Reader Pro
Click View > Read Out Loud > Activate Read Out Loud
Use the mouse to select the paragraph you want to hear.
If you want to hear larger sections
• Click View > Read Out Loud
• use the menu to choose read this page only
To deactivate
• Click View > Read Out Loud > De-Activate Read Out Loud
If you are using a Mac
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202584
http://www.apple.com/accessibility/osx/#learning
Open System Preferences
Click Dictation & Speech
Turn Dictation on, check Enhanced Dictation, choose and learn your shortcut
Click Text to Speech
Choose your voice (I suggest Alex), check Speak selected text when the key is pressed, choose and learn your shortcut
You may leave the window open while you're learning the key combinations
To use simply select text you want read > use your shortcut for text to speech
To dictate, place the cursor where you want to write and use your shortcut for dictation.
Also, if you don't like the voice choices for Mac and are willing to spend a few dollars for a higher quality voice, check out AssistiveWare at https://www.assistiveware.com/product/infovox-ivox. You can use any of their voices for 30 days before you make the decision to buy. Personally, I'm a fan of the "Will" and "Heather" voices.
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