Screen Reading and Library Resources: A Guide for ADA Accessibility: Home

This version of the guide is formatted in a means that is easier for processing with screen reading software, like JAWS.

The library's databases present articles and abstracts in two different formats: PDF or HTML. HTML articles may be read by read aloud software very easily. PDFs can present some issues. PDF accessibility depends on how the articles were scanned. In some cases, security features (to prevent the document from being altered) may interfere with a PDFs accessibility.

Adobe Reader and Adobe Acrobat both have a read aloud feature. This feature will allow PDFs that are ADA accesible to be read out loud for patrons.

NOTE: The absolute best way to make use of Adobe's accessibility features is to use Adobe in conjunction with your assistive technology screen reader software.

The instructions below are intended for machines that do not have assistive technology installed on them.

In Windows OS to turn the read aloud feature on:

1. open the PDF
2. go to the View option at the top of the screen and select Read Out Loud and then scroll down to the last option listed called, Activate Read Out Loud
3. click on the screen to begin reading

To pause, select a specific section, or, read to the end of the document, select view, the read out loud option, and then the appropriate option (pause, etc.)

In Mac OS to turn the read aloud feature on:

1. open the PDF
2. go to the Edit option at the top of the screen and select Speech and then select the option, Start Speaking
3. reader will start automatically

To stop, select Edit at the top of the screen, then select Speech, and last select the option, Stop Speaking