Various software and tools can be used to enhance the accessibility of eBooks. The options will depend on the eBook format, whether you are reading it online or downloading it, features you would like to use and personal preference. Our recommendations are below, along with alternatives under 'More accessibility options'. 

Before you begin we recommend that you:

• Use Microsoft Edge as your web browser. This is freely available and on all Library PCs. See the Library website Software page for more information. Microsoft Edge is our recommended tool for reading aloud online format and downloaded PDF eBooks.
• Install Adobe Reader if using your own computer. This is freely available and on all Library PCs. See the Library website Software page for more information. Adobe Reader is our recommended tool for changing the background colour and text size of downloaded PDF eBooks.

Accessibility information from the provider:

You may find the Screen Studies accessibility statement helpful.

Read aloud:

Online format:

We recommend following these instructions for using the Microsoft Edge browser Read Aloud tool. If that does not work, you can use Read&Write software to have unselectable text read aloud. Some platforms also offer an inbuilt read alout tool which is usually accessed via the Settings menu.

Downloaded PDF opened in Edge:

We recommend opening the PDF in Edge and using the Edge Read Aloud tool. 

If Edge doesn't read the file, this may be because it is an image PDF (i.e. a picture of text). You can try converting it into an accessible PDF first using SensusAccess (subject to the copyright restrictions detailed on the SensusAccess page).

Change background colour:

Online format:

We recommend using Immersive Reader in Edge to change the background colour (under Text preferences). Some platforms offer an inbuilt tool to change the background colour which is usually accessed via the Settings menu. If there is no inbuilt option, you may be able to change colours using your web browser or operating system settings.

Downloaded PDF opened in Adobe Reader:

You may be able to change the background colour by opening the PDF in Adobe Reader. The download will open in your web browser, which does not give access to the Adobe Reader settings you need to use. First, use the Save or Download icon to save the eBook to your computer. Then open it from there with Adobe Reader and follow these instructions: How can I change the background colour in Adobe Reader?. If you get a message at the top of the page which reads "This file claims compliance with the PDF/A standard and has been opened read-only to prevent modification", click Enable Editing and click OK. If this does not work, you can change the colour of your screen using the Screen masking tool in Read&Write software which is available on all Library PCs or you may have access to it through your Disabled Student Allowance. Alternatively, you can use the Screen Masking tool available in the free Read&Write for Google Chrome plug-in. You can also use the Study Support Software Finder to identify free tools for changing screen colours. 

Change text size:

Online format:

We recommend using Immersive Reader in Edge to change the background colour (under Text preferences). When you zoom the text reflows (automatically adjusts to fit on the page at the new zoom level). Some platforms offer an inbuilt tool for changing the text size which is usually accessed via the Settings menu.

Downloaded PDF opened in Adobe Reader:

The download will open in your web browser, which does not give access to the Adobe Reader settings you need to use to alter the zoom level. First, use the Save or Download icon to save the eBook to your computer, and then open it from there with Adobe Reader.  If you get a message at the top of the page which reads "This file claims compliance with the PDF/A standard and has been opened read-only to prevent modification", click Enable Editing and click OK. Then you can change the page zoom from 10% - 6400% using the plus and minus symbols on the top bar. You may be able to make the text reflow (automatically adjust itself to fit on the page at the new zoom level) by following these reflow instructions. Unfortunately, with some titles you may find that the Reflow setting doesn't work, and the spaces between words may be lost when it is activated.

More accessibility options:

Zooming:

• You can change the zoom level of a whole web page using your browser. To zoom in, press Ctrl (Windows) or command (Mac) and the + key. To zoom out, press Ctrl/command and the - key. Press Ctrl/command and 0 to set the zoom level back to default.
• You may be able to make text on your screen appear larger using inbuilt features of your operating system.
• Microsoft Edge can be used to change the zoom level of PDFs but the text does not reflow (automatically adjust to fit on the page at the new zoom level).

Colours:

• You may also be able to change colours using your web browser or operating system settings.
• For additional accessibility options for PDFs e.g. changing font colour, see: Accessibility tools within Adobe Reader

Software and tools:

• Texthelp Read & Write software (which is installed on all Library PCs) provides accessibility tools
• There is also a browser toolbar Read & Write for Google Chrome (also works in Microsoft Edge) which offers many of the functions of the full software
• See the Assistive Software page for more information about Read & Write and other tools