Natural Reader

Natural Reader


Tool Type

Accessibility Tools, Reading

Who Uses It?

Students, Instructors, Staff

Tags





Difficulty

Beginner-Friendly

Accessibility Info

This tool is meant to improve accessibility of 3rd party web pages and web tools. No VPAT is available so it’s exact accessibility level is unknown. 

Tool Description

Natural Reader is a text-to-speech web browser extension that improves accessibility for students, faculty, and staff at community colleges. It reads webpage content aloud and includes a font changer to convert standard fonts to dyslexia-friendly ones, enhancing readability. This tool can integrate with various platforms, such as ChatGPT, to ensure effective use of websites that are not fully accessible on their own. It helps students retain information and reduce eye fatigue while allowing faculty and staff to easily access and consume online content more efficiently.



Cost/Licenses

Free, Optional Individual Subscription

How to Get or Use This Tool

Add it to your Google Chrome web browser for free by visiting the Google Chrome Webstore and clicking Add to Chrome near the top right of the page. Alternatively, go to naturalreaders.com and click Get Started for the web version to read aloud documents you upload yourself.


Platforms

Web-based, Mobile

Tool Resources

Pros

  • Has a mobile app, an online version to upload documents to, and a chrome extension is available for reading out loud web pages.
  • Free features are expansive enough for effective use.
  • Easy to use with simple controls.
  • Highlight colors while reading are customizable, and it includes some dark mode controls.
  • You can change the AI voice and adjust the reading speed.

Cons

  • Some features are available only in the paid version.
  • The font changer works only in the immersive reader view (open book icon).
  • Document reading depends on the file’s level of accessibility; PDFs, for example, may not always read correctly.
  • The mobile app works only with uploaded documents or copied and pasted text.

Privacy

View Privacy Information

Similar Tools

Speechify, Font Changer, Read Aloud

Supported By

Not Supported at Lane.
Last Updated: 08/01/2024 - 14:58

Your Responsibilities


As a user of our Digital Tool Hub, it is your responsibility to use software in a manner that aligns with Lane's policies and standards. This includes protecting college resources and data by ensuring compliance with relevant policies, storing sensitive information in approved systems, and facilitating equitable access for all users, including those with disabilities.

You are individually accountable for any software installed on your devices and must adhere to the terms and conditions of software licenses. While we strive to provide support for a wide range of applications, please note that some may not be directly supported by the college. All software usage is subject to our policies, and you must review our guidelines on software procurement and licensing compliance. The college cannot be held liable for damages resulting from the installation or use of software obtained through our hub. We appreciate your cooperation in respecting copyright laws and using digital tools responsibly.

Relevant Policies:


Know of another tool used at Lane for education? Let us know by filling out this form and we can review it for the Digital Tool Hub!

Have any questions? Contact us at DigitalToolHub@lanecc.edu.

Accessible is defined as:

When considering the use of a digital tool with students in a classroom, prioritizing accessibility is essential. Accessibility is assessed through compliance with WCAG 2.0 standards. All softwares, where the primary user is students, in the Digital Tool Hub are accessible. Keep in mind there some exceptions due to the nature of the various types of software. The If a software is level of partial accessibility are outlined on each tool's page if a tool is partially accessible.

  • What is a VPAT: A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) is a document that explains how information and communication technology products such as software, hardware, electronic content, and support documentation meet the Revised 508 Standards for IT accessibility. Check out Sonoma State University's article and learn how to read a VPAT.

How are the tags defined:

Tags can be changed at any time, so check in regularly for any software changes, recommendations, approval, etc.

Tags are defined as follows:

  • Recommended by ATC: This is a tool recommended by the Academic Technology Center (ATC) for faculty to use for its intended purposes.
  • IT Approved: The tool has been fully vetted for cybersecurity.
  • Free: The tool is completely free to Lane students, faculty, and staff, and has no features missing.
  • Free (Limited): The tool is completely free to Lane students, faculty, and staff, but has limited features compared to a licensed version.
  • User's Choice:This tool is used by many users and is highly regarded by students, faculty, and/or staff. This does not guarantee the tool is accessible for faculty to use in courses. Review additional tool information to ensure an informed decision regarding its suitability for faculty use in courses.

Difficulty is defined at each level as follows:

  • Beginner-Friendly: Requires basic familiarity with digital tools. Able to follow simple instructions and navigate intuitively. Benefit from clear guidance and encouragement.
  • Intermediate: Requires a moderate level of understanding of digital tools. Can explore deeper features and adapt to some customization. Able to engage and use with moderate complexity and seek help when needed.
  • Advanced: Requires advanced proficiency in using digital tools. Can navigate complex workflows and adapt to advanced customization. Able to innovate, contribute, and troubleshoot independently within the platform.