D.C. Metro launches reading Web tool

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) has introduced a new software tool to help visitors browse its Website. BrowseAloud is a free download, available at www.wmata.com, that will read aloud text as the user moves the cursor over words.

“The software is especially useful for anyone who has difficulty reading online, including people with mild visual impairments, low literacy and reading skills, and learning disabilities such as dyslexia,” said Suzanne Peck, Metro’s Chief Information Officer. It also can be helpful for people with limited English language skills who may find it easier to listen to spoken words instead of reading text on a page.

Information about the BrowseAloud free download is available at www.wmata.com/accessibility/browse_aloud.cfm and through the “speaker” icon located at the bottom right side of every page on Metro’s Website. Once a user installs the free software on their computer, he or she can move the cursor over a selection of text and BrowseAloud will highlight the words and read them aloud.