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Using Accessibility Tools with Your Open Textbook

Most OER, including textbooks, have been designed with accessibility in mind. Common assistive technology, like screen readers, text-to-speech, and other tools will work with online or PDF versions of your open textbook. If you run into difficulties with your open textbook, please connect with the Library for assistance.

Note: The software listed here is by recommendation only. They have not been fully tested in every scenario. Remember to review privacy and security options for any software/apps that you install on your device.

Using Text-to-Speech tools to Listen to Your Open Textbook

Most OER do not currently exist in audio book or mp3 format, however, you can use the tools on your mobile device or computer to read the book aloud to you. Many systems have this function built in. You may want to experiment until you find an app or system that works best for you.

Common Text-to-Speech Tools

Read & WriteRead & Write is available on computers in the library and other student-access computers on campus.
  • Access via the start menu or search for Read & Write
  • Don't forget to bring headphones for use in Library/labs.
  • Free versions of this software may be available for download to your device running Microsoft, MacOS or other system
Watch Read&Write: Back to Basics (10 mins) on YouTube

Video source: Texthelp. (2022, December 16). Read&Write: Back to basics [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/oVfeWdqUuvU

 
Adobe Acrobat: Read Out LoudThe PDF versions of your textbook can be read to you by Adobe Acrobat Reader.
  • Review the instructions for the Read Out Loud feature or
  • Watch the following video for tips on how to get started
Watch Reading Aloud PDFs | Acrobat DC for Educators (2 mins) on YouTube

Video source: Adobe for Education. (2020, September 11). Reading aloud with Acrobat [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/qXJlazKGTuo

Android Devices: Select to Speak
  • Review the Select to Speak instructions or
  • Watch the following video for tips on how to get started
Watch How to Turn On Text To Speech Read Aloud on Android/Samsung - 2022 (5 mins) on YouTube

Video source: ITJungles. (2022, June 28). How to turn on text to speech read aloud on Android/Samsung - 2022 [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/Ka5AdeLt43o

Apple Devices: SpeakScreen
  • Review the SpeakScreen instructions or
  • Watch the following video for tips on how to get started
Watch How to use Speak Screen on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch (1 min) on YouTube

Video source: Apple Support. (2022, July 21). How to use Speak Screen on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/tBfcPu61nSI

Chromebook: Select-to-Speak
  • Review the Select-to-Speak instructions or
  • Watch the following video for tips on how to get started
Watch How to use Select-to-Speak on your Chromebook (5 mins)

Video source: Chromebook. (2019, June 21). How to use Select-to-Speak on your Chromebook [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/_gz4lXWDzTQ

Attributions

Except where otherwise noted, this page is an adaptation of Using OER Textbooks: Student Guide by the OER Design Studio at the Georgian College Library, licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.