Point-and-Read^® Talking Browser

The Talking Browser is a screen reader that helps people read. It's simple to use, but has many adjustable features for people with different abilities.

If you already know what basic features you want, you can start the download now. Otherwise, read about the features first. They are described further down on this page.

Download & Install

Please choose which features are more important to you. This can be changed later.

Click the button and an InstallShield wizard will guide you through the installation. The first time you use this page, you must allow its ActiveX component to be installed.

This is version 0.9.54, posted June 4, 2007

If you have trouble with this installation,
you can try a single-file download by clicking here. (18 MB)
Save it to a temporary location and then double-click it.

Summary of Features

You will have to choose which features are best for you. Some features are for people who can see, while other features are for people with low vision or people who are blind. Some features are for people who can hold a computer mouse, while others are for people who can use a trackball or joystick, and still others for people who need to use switches or switch-scanning. Some features are specially designed for people with multiple disabilities. You can read about the different features below.

Point-and-read Features

Point-and-read features are best for people who can see and can use a computer pointing device. Some people with poor vision will still find these features best for their needs. These features work with trackballs, joysticks, and computer mice. If a person can hold a computer mouse, but has difficulty clicking a mouse button, these features may still be best. These features include some keystroke shortcuts. For more information on these point-and-read features click here.

For the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template, click here.

Switch-based Features

Switch-based features are best for people who are blind or have very low vision. They are also best for people who cannot easily use a computer mouse or other pointing device. Some of these features are specially designed for people who can only operate one or two keys or switches. For more information on these switch-based features click here.

Announce Features

When the announce features are chosen, the browser will not just read text. It will also tell the user every time it comes to an object on the page. Objects include links, images, checkboxes and radio buttons. This is useful for people with low or no vision, but may be distracting for people who can see.

Choosing Features

When you first install the Talking Browser, you have to choose which features are most important to you: point-and-read or switch-based. You also have to choose whether you want the announce features. However, after you have installed the Talking Browser, you can change these features anytime. The easiest way to do this is using the "View" menu at the top of the screen. Just activate the "View>Set-up Wizard". This feature allows you to customize many other features of the Talking Browser as well. You can also customize features using the "View>Advanced Preferences."

The Point-and-Read Talking Browser is designed for computers using Windows or a Windows Emulator. Here are its requirements.

There is additional information in this Talking Browser readme file

To Download & Install go to top of this page.