Dragkeys is a simple utility to assist users with copying text to the “clipboard.” It can be used to help one-finger typists with copy and paste, and it can be used in conjunction with a clipboard text-to-speech capable utility to read any highlighted text out loud. Freeware clipboard text-to-speech readers include Deskbot, SaysMe, UltraHal Reader, and my favorite all around text-to-speech program, Balabolka.

Here is how it works:

1. Launch your clipboard text-to-speech program.
2. Launch dragkeys.
3. Place the cursor at the beginning (or the end) of some text they want read. This text can be in any window, or in any program that lets you highlight the text by dragging the mouse cursor over the text.
4. Hold the F12 key and the text will be slowly highlighted downward (upward if the user holds the F6 key.) When the key is released the text is copied to the clipboard and automatically read out loud.