Reading Tools

Description: Select-to-Speak is built in accessibility feature for Chromebooks. Users can highlight a portion of text and the computer will read it.

Audience: Elementary and Secondary

Type: Chromebook accessibility feature (must be turned on)

Compatibility: Chromebooks only

How to use it:

Description: Immersive reader is Chrome Extension for reading online content. A simple process of highlighting online text and giving it a right mouse click will pull the text into a separate window like you see in the image on the left. From that point users can change the reader speed, text size, font, and background colors. Immersive reader also has the ability to highlight parts of speech, and turn on a picture dictionary. Watch the tutorial to see all of these features and more.

Audience: Elementary and Secondary

Type: Chrome Extension

Compatibility: Chrome computer browser

How to use it:

Description: Speak It extension converts text into speech on websites only. Select words or paragraphs and then just listen. Speak It is available in six languages and users can change the speed at which the text is read. This extension will work on any type of computer as long as the user is logged into their Google account and using a Chrome browser.

Audience: Elementary and Secondary

Type: Chrome Extension

Compatibility: Chrome computer browser

How to use it:

Description: Reader View is a Chrome Extension for online articles that removes all the extras like ads, popups and photos from the screen so the user sees only the article. Users can then increase text size, change the font and the lighting.

Audience: Elementary and Secondary

Type: Chrome Extension

Compatibility: Chrome browser on any computer

How to use it:

  • Click here to add the Reader View Chrome Extension and view a tutorial

Description: Reader View is a feature built into Apple devices that removes all the extras like ads, popups and photos from the screen so the user sees only the article. Users can then increase text size, change the font and the lighting.

Audience: Elementary and Secondary

Type: Feature on iPhone, iPad or Mac

Compatibility: Only works in Safari web browser

How to use it:

  • Click here to view a tutorial

Description: Bookshare makes reading easier for students with reading barriers. Students are able to listen to high-quality audio; follow along with word-level highlighting, adjust speed, font and color; enlarge font size; read in Braille and add bookmarks and notes. It allows students to customize their experience to suit their learning style and find books they need for school, work or the joy of reading.

Audience: Elementary and Secondary

Type: Website

Compatibility: Any computer browser, Apple or Android tablets

How to use it:

  • In order for you to become a Bookshare® member, an expert must confirm that you have a print disability that severely inhibits or prevents you from reading traditional print materials. Please see your CCS teacher for details.