The award winning South Ayrshire Council website now provides an option for people to listen to information provided instead of viewing it on screen or printing it.

The new service is provided at no cost to users, as free software can be downloaded onto personal computers that will active the computer voice. The software is called Browsealoud, and is used on many other websites including the BBC and Google.

The Depute Leader of the Council, Councillor David Duncan said: "I am very impressed with the way in which this speech enabling software operates.

"This technology will be of particular use to those who, for a variety of reasons, have difficulty reading a computer screen.

"It is very important that as many people as possible have access to the Council's website and the wide range of information that it contains. Anything that makes access easier is a positive step forward."

By simply downloading a free small browser plug-in, and installing it into a computer that has a sound card, information from the website can be given in the form of a spoken voice. The computer will however require speakers or headphones to allow the voice to be heard.

Once downloaded Browsealoud is easy to operate, simply by moving the cursor over text it will be spoken aloud. The user can select various options including:

•  Male voice
•  Female voice
•  Type of accent
•  Speed of voice
•  Pitch of voice
•  Language
•  Highlighting the area being read out loud to appear on the computer screen in a colour of their choice.

The new system is proving particularly useful for people who suffer from Dyslexia, learning difficulties or a visual impairment. The option to set the computer to speak in other languages, will assist those whose first language is not English, and anyone accessing the website from abroad. Some older people may also find the system beneficial as it provides options for accessing information.

October 2005