Accessibility toolbar
We have recently installed an accessibility toolbar on our University of London website, which contains a number of features that enable users with a diverse range of disabilities to access the website’s content.
Developed and supported by Gateshead-based company Recite Me, the accessibility toolbar contains a number of options for tailoring the content on the web page, including:
- Having the page read aloud to them in a choice of over 35 different languages.
- Changing the written text on the page into one of over a hundred different languages.
- Changing the colour scheme of the page, so that the text and background make the content easier to read.
- Magnifying the text, so that it appears larger on the screen.
- Using a screen mask tool, to isolate parts of the page.
- Using a ruler tool, to make reading from left to right easier.
It can be activated on any page of the University of London website by clicking on the "Accessibility tools" icon in the right hand corner of the page.
A short demonstration video, showing how to use the accessibility toolbar:
See the below table for a full list of the features in the toolbar.
| Button | Function |
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Play text reader/Rewind/Fast forward |
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Select font type/Increase font size |
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Change colour theme |
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Enable/Disable ruler |
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Enable/Disable screen mask |
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Enable/Disable dictionary |
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Change language |
 |
Enable/Disable text mode |
 |
Download audio file |
 |
Enable/Disable magnifying glass |
 |
Settings |
 |
Reset |
 |
User guide |
We hope that toolbar will make our website accessible for all of our users, and are open to receiving feedback on the effectiveness of the toolbar.
The University of London is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience, regardless of how our audiences and stakeholders wish to engage with us – this is just as important in an online capacity. Recite Me is an excellent way for us to be able to provide additional online tools and services for those visiting our website and increase the level of accessibility quickly and easily. In addition, we have adopted the accessibility toolbar on its intranet and jobs website to ensure that more people can access and modify the content in a way that makes it more useful and usable.
These initiatives are examples of the measures we are taking to ensure that we are promoting inclusive academic practices.
Mark Harrison, Head of Inclusion, University of London
Making your device easier to use
AbilityNet has advice on making your devices easier to use if you have a disability. In addition, major operating systems produce the following guidance:
