Improving access to information
To support web users to access information on Camden Care Choices, ReachDeck can support with removing some of the barriers experienced by people with vision impairments, language requirements, or other needs.
ReachDeck is a toolbar that can improve the accessibility and readability of our website. One of the ways it does this is by allowing web users to select a feature and personalise how they access the information.
How to use ReachDeck
ReachDeck is located at the top of your screen, just above the webpage. It features a number of clickable icons to improve access to the information.
Find out how to use the icons to suit your requirements
1. Hover to speak - Starts reading the page out loud - switch between hover and click in the settings menu.
The icon is designed to read out each sentence as you move your cursor over it. It will read each sentence until it reaches the end or until you close the tool.
2. Speak the current selection - Starts reading selected text or reads from the top of the page
This icon is reads aloud a highlighted portion of text. If the user does not select text, it will read the entire page.
3. Stop playing - Stops reading and clears highlighted text on the page.
This feature allows you to stop the playback of the selected text.
4. Translate page - Provides written and spoken translations in multiple language
Click on this icon to translate the text into various languages. In the dropdown menu select a language from the list, and the page will be translated accordingly.
Please be mindful that many language tools may provide an instant translation, there may be cases where the translation is unable to convey the intended context.
5. Picture dictionary - Displays pictures related to text selected on the page
This icon enables users to select a word and access images to help define the word.
6. MP3 maker - Converts selected text into an MP3
This process will generate an MP3 audio file that can be downloaded and listened to on your computer, or smartphone. First, highlight the desired text to convert into an MP3 file. Then click on the icon. Enter a preferred file name of your choice, and then click on the file once it is generated.
7. Screen mask - Blocks distractions on screen with a tinted mask
The screen mask highlights a particular rectangular area on the screen, assisting web users with specific forms of dyslexia or learning difficulties. Users can personalise their Screen mask in the Settings menu.
8. Text magnifier - Enlarge text as it is read out loud
Text magnifier enables the user to hear the text read out loud. You can change the size of the magnified text in the settings menu from a choice of five options.
9. Simplify - Removes clutter from the screen, displaying only the main text.
This icon removes all unnecessary menus and elements from a webpage, focusing solely on the article content. It helps with reading lengthy text and for printing pages. Additionally, you have the option to customise the background colour using the 'Text colour' function in 'Simplify mode'.
10. Help - Shows a simple help page that explains what the ReachDeck toolbar does.
11. Settings - Customise options to suit individual needs or preferences
In the Settings, users can change the text size, voice speed, background colour, so that your access to the information is personalised to suit your requirements.
More information about accessibility options
The Royal National Institute of Blind People have information about how phones, tablets and desktops have accessibility settings that are available to make it easier for people with low or no vision to use them.
Your feedback on the website
If you have any questions or suggestions to improve accessibility of this site please email us on [email protected] and [email protected]