Education is about creating pathways to success for all students, and accessibility tools play a key role in making that possible. By offering inclusive learning support, we reduce barriers, embrace diverse learning styles, and promote a greater sense of belonging. As part of this commitment, we’re highlighting two valuable tools: ReadSpeaker and TextAid.
ReadSpeaker is a text-to-speech tool that allows students to listen to course content, including documents, pages, and quizzes – directly within Brightspace. It’s especially helpful for students with visual impairments, learning differences like dyslexia, or those who prefer auditory learning.
For expanded support beyond Brightspace, TextAid—a companion tool from ReadSpeaker—provides additional features such as writing assistance, translation, and annotation. Its browser extension also enables students to listen to web pages and personal documents, making it a flexible and valuable tool for both academic and everyday learning.
How to Access ReadSpeaker
ReadSpeaker in Brightspace – ReadSpeaker’s “Listen” button and options show up automatically throughout your Brightspace course pages or uploaded text documents.
TextAid Application – For more advanced learning support, students can use TextAid, a companion tool from ReadSpeaker. It extends accessibility support beyond Brightspace to personal study materials and even websites. TextAid requires a personal license. Contact the Office of Disability, Access, and Inclusion (DAI) for a license.
What ReadSpeaker Does for Instructors
- Supports inclusive teaching & UDL
- Helps meet accessibility compliance
- No setup required — built into Brightspace
- Automatically works on most course content
- Reduces the need to create separate audio files
- Encourages self-paced, flexible learning
- Promotes student independence and engagement
- Enhances comprehension and accessibility in courses
What ReadSpeaker Does for Students
- Listen to course content in Brightspace
- Customize voice, speed, and text display
- Read and listen at the same time
- Use masking and highlighting to stay focused
- Great for diverse learning needs (dyslexia, ADHD, ESL)
- Access on desktop, tablet, or phone
- Use TextAid for documents and web pages
- Study on the go or offline (via MP3s, if enabled)
By integrating tools like ReadSpeaker and TextAid into our learning environment, we take meaningful steps toward making education more accessible, flexible, and supportive for all students. Whether you’re an instructor looking to enhance inclusivity in your course or a student exploring new ways to engage with content, these tools are here to help you succeed. If you have questions or need help getting started, don’t hesitate to reach out to the IT Teaching and Learning Services— we’re here to support you every step of the way.