Translation, text to speech, reading and audio support

You can use the ReachDeck toolbar to translate our web pages into more than 100 languages.

How to change the language

Click on the orange ‘speak’ button, located on every page to open the ReachDeck toolbar and follow the instructions below.

If using a desktop computer or laptop

Click the translate icon and select a language from the dropdown menu.

If using a mobile phone

Click the cog icon and select a language from the dropdown menu

Listen to the information

You can also listen to the information in 36 of the most commonly spoken global languages. When you select a language from the dropdown you will see a megaphone icon, if it is one that you can also listen to.

If you are blind or partially sighted you can use the the ReachDeck toolbar to access the information on our website. There are a number of assistive features, including:

• Text-to-Speech reads on-screen text out loud with read along highlighting
• Screen Mask with reading pane reduces visual stress and improves focus
• Text Magnifier magnifies text and reads it out loud. This increases accessibility of even the smallest web text
• Webpage Simplifier creates a simplified view of a webpage and removes distracting content 

How to use the ReachDeck tool

1. Turn on the ReachDeck toolbar. You can do this by clicking on the orange 'Speak' button at the top of every page.

2. A new toolbar will appear at the top of your screen. Pick the icon that will help you.

Toolbar options

Icon	Option	What is does
	Read selected text aloud	Reads out the content you place your mouse on or hover over
	Read text aloud	Begin reading the page or play the current selection
	MP3 maker	Convert selected text into an MP3, which you can download and listen to an audio version of the page
	Screen Mask	Block distractions on screen with a tinted mask, to help your focus and increase the contrast of highlighted content
	Enlarge text	Zoom in up to 300% without the text spilling off the screen
	Change settings	Change colours, contrast levels and fonts

If you find it hard to use a mouse or a keyboard, you can:

• navigate most of the website using just a keyboard, where you can 'tab' through content and pages
• navigate most of the website using speech recognition software
• use the ReachDeck tool to have the content read out to you

To have content read out loud, open the ReachDeck toolbar to have the current page or selected content read out to you. Tab to or click on the orange ‘speak’ button, located at the top of every page.

Toolbar options

Icon	Option	What is does
	Read selected text aloud	Reads out the content you place your mouse on or hover over
	Read text aloud	Begin reading the page or play the current selection

AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability:

• make your mouse easier to use
• use your keyboard instead of a mouse
• talk to your device

We have created content for the Brent website that should be easy to understand for everyone. Where possible we:

• use plain and simple English
• avoid complicated grammar or jargon
• keep sentences short
• avoid using words and phrases that you may not recognise

You can also use the ReachDeck toolbar to:

• have the content read out to you
• display words you dont understand in pictures

Use the ReachDeck tool

Click on the orange ‘speak’ button, located at the top of every page, to open the ReachDeck toolbar. Then pick the icon that you need.

Toolbar options

Icon	Option	What is does
	Read text aloud	Begin reading the page or play the current selection
	Picture dictionary (Easy read)	Displays the meaning of a word using a simple picture

If you need information on this website in a different format like accessible PDF, large print, easy read, audio recording or braille email us at webteam@brent.gov.uk

To help us deal with your enquiry, please try and include as must information as possible, including:

• the web address of any pages you're having difficulties with
• how you are accessing the site, for example on your phone, on a laptop, on a tablet
• If on a laptop or tablet, which browser you are using, for example Edge, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Chrome or Safari
• the nature of your disability, if any
• a description of the problem.

We'll consider your request and get back to you within 20 working days.