Service improvement is really important to us, and we continuously listen and respond to patient feedback and ideas to identify how we can grow and develop.
We are really proud to introduce ReachDeck to our website, helping make our online information more inclusive.
ReachDeck is a digital inclusion solution that helps us make online content accessible and usable to everyone.
1 in 7 people have some form of disability, so we want to make sure everybody feels welcome and included, making for a better patient/user experience.
The new toolbar enables visitors to our website to browse, access and download content in a way that best suits them, personalising how they access the information they need - improving accessibility, readability and reach.
ReachDeck supports people with visual impairments, hidden disabilities, and those who lack basic digital skills or those patients who require translation support to other languages.
Key features include :
- Text-to-Speech: Reads on-screen text aloud with read-along highlighting.
- Translation: Allows words to be translated into multiple languages.
- Picture Dictionary: Displays word meanings through illustrations.
- MP3 Maker: Converts online content into MP3 files for easy listening.
- Screen Mask with Reading Pane: Reduces visual stress and improves focus.
- Text Magnifier: Enlarges text and reads it out loud.
Whether you are using a Smartphone, Tablet, PC or Mac, ReachDeck will provide the speech, reading and translation support tools you require for free.
ReachDeck is now part of our website, so you do not need to install or buy any software to use it. It is available from the top right of each webpage via the ReachDeck icon.
User Guide
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