Accessible Web Browsing with Google Chrome
​and with Web Based Apps

Google Chrome

  • Chrome is probably the most accessible web browser, with some accessibility supports built in.
  • Access is also facilitated by extensions created for the Chrome browser by Google, as well as by third-party developers. These are available in the Chrome Web Store. Most are free. Click HERE for help with installing and managing Chrome extensions. 
  • Web based applications that facilitate access have leveled the playing field and made other browsers increasingly accessible, eg. Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge. Accessibility extensions have also been created for these browsers.
  • Google Chrome runs well from a USB flash drive--with extensions.  
Accessibility Built Into the Chrome Browser
Chrome (and Chromebook) Accessibility Series
  • Series of 18 videos that introduce and explain accessibility features built into Chrome and the Chrome OS in Chromebooks
  • ​Most videos relate specifically to Chromebooks, but there is some overlap with the Chrome browser

Chrome Extension that Facilitate Access

Natural Reader Text To Speech
  • ​Flexible text to speech for online content open in Chrome--webpages, Google Docs, email, pdf files, etc.
  • Dual highlighting of text being read
  • Easily change voice, adjust reading rate, etc.
  • [Author's note: This may be the best stand alone text to speech option available as a Chrome extension.]
  • Click HERE for short video overview​
TTS Reader Chrome Extension
  • ​Simple text-to-speech application for reading web content.
  • Select text, then click on extension icon, or right-click on selected text and choose 'Google TTX', to have text read aloud.​
  • Voice, reading-rate and keyboard shortcut can be set.
TTS ReaderX Chrome Extension
TTS ReaderX Web App
​
  • Versatile text-to-speech for reading web content in Google Chrome.
  • Right-click selected text and click on 'Play Selection'
  • Alternatively, click extension icon to read entire web page aloud. Page content will be highlighted as read in text box.
  • High quality voices, with support for multiple languages.
  • Speech rate is adjustable, and can be quite slow.​
Read&Write Chrome Extension 
  • Powerful learning support toolbar with impressive set of tools for use in Google Docs
  • Toolbar also works on web pages, with additional function of simplifying layout of the page
  • Text-to-speech available with high quality voice and dual color highlighting
  • Other tools include: Voice-to-Text; word prediction; multi color highlighting for note-taking; note extractor; talking dictionary; picture dictionary; translator; vocabulary builder
  • Text-to-speech remains free after trial, but premium features available only by paid subscription
  • Excellent video overview
  • ​All features available for free 30 day trial.
  • Premium features free for teachers.
Immersive Reader Chrome Extension
  • Not from Microsoft, but emulates Immersive Reader Functions perfectly for working with online text
  • Quick overview video HERE
  • ​Not endorsed or supported by Microsoft
Reader View
  • Strips away clutter from web pages for simpler view (with or without images
  • Built in text to speech with choice of voices, and adjustable speed and pitch
  • Adjustable font size and margin widths
  • Multiple options for background/text colour contrast on webpage
  • Click HERE for video demonstration
Equatio Chrome Extension
  • Extension for use in Google Docs, Slides, Sheets and Forms
  • [Also integrates with MS Word on Mac or PC, Equatio Mobile works on iOS or Android devices]
  • Extensive set of learning support tools for doing math and sciences digitally
  • Includes 'handwriting recognition' and voice input
  • Reads math aloud
  • Video overview
  • Premium features free for teachers.
Google Dictionary Chrome Extension
  • Double-click on words on webpage for definitions, with audio pronunciation.
  • Definition contains link to web search of the term. 
  • Definitions can be read aloud with TTS options.
  • Click on icon for search box to find defintion of any desired word.
VoiceNote II Chrome Extension
  • Voice-to-text extension for Google Chrome.
  • Collect dictated text in re-sizable box that can "float" in front of word processor, email program, etc.
  • Dictated text can be copied and pasted or dragged and dropped into document.
LipSurf
  • ​Offers voice control for the web browser.
  • Use voice to dictate directly into many sites; eg. Gmail, Facebook, Amazon, etc. 
  • Click HERE for video demonstration
Tab Resize - split screen layouts Chrome Extension
  • Open multiple windows in Chrome.
  • View multiple websites simultaneously.​
  • Windows may be tiled horizontally or vertically. 
  • ​Click HERE for video demonstration
​Web Apps and Tools that work only in Chrome
TalkTyper Web App
  • Speech-to-text for Google Chrome, not an extension, but a site that functions only in Chrome.
  • Text-to-speech available for dictated text.
  • Alternatives provided for dictated text. eg. you or you've
  • Install Chrome extension Adblock Plus to automatically remove ads that may be inappropriate or distracting.
Voice Typing in Google Docs
  • Voice to text is built into Google Docs, but only when Google Docs is open in Google Chrome
  • Click on link above for instructions in using this tool
  • Click HERE for video demonstration of voice typing in Google Docs