ReachDeck Toolbar
ReachDeck is a digital inclusion toolbar that provides speech, reading and translation support tools which helps make information on our website easier and more accessible for people.
FAQs
Since 2023 the Library has taken several initiatives to advance accessibility at all of our locations. To align and promote the City of Richmond Accessibility Plan , as well as, the BC Accessibility Act the Library is committed to the goal of making all of our locations and services more accessible. This also helps us stay compliant with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) from the World Wide Web Consortia (W3C).
What this means for our customers who visit our website and click and activate the ReachDeck Toolbar text content is read aloud, with whole page translations available in over 100 languages. This allows us to welcome and support visitors with various reading and language differences, such as dyslexia, low literacy, English as a second language, and those with mild visual impairments.
Text to Speech
ReachDeck reads text on a webpage out loud. There are two options, Hover to Speak and Speak the Current Selection. Hover to Speak is turned on by default when the toolbar is launched.
Translation
ReachDeck translates web pages into 99 languages and can speak aloud 40 of those, in a high quality, natural sounding native voice.
MP3 Generation
ReachDeck converts any text that you select from a web page, into an audio file that you can then listen to at a later date at home, or on the move.
Screen Mask
This feature allows you to apply a colour filter to your screen. A semi-opaque mask extends across the screen, leaving a letterbox reading window clear – the allows you to focus on a few lines at a time.
Text Magnification
With ReachDeck you have the option to magnify the text as it’s being read aloud. You can personalise the font, size and colour to suit your needs in settings.
Simplify
This feature removes the clutter and distractions, such as pictures and adverts, allowing you to focus on the text you want to read.
Settings
In the settings menu you can personalise the features to suit your own specific needs. You can personalise the following:
• Highlight colours for text to speech and text magnification
• Set text magnifier on as default
• Select the size of the magnified text
• Switch hover to speak off
• Select voice speed
• Set the simplify feature on as default
• Identify links on a webpage
please watch the video if you would like to know more about ReachDeck.