What is ReachDeck

Child Development Programs website features Improved Website Accessibility with ReachDeck

ReachDeck reads website content – out loud, using the most natural and engaging voice and transforms your online reading experience.

ReachDeck works on all major browsers and platforms, including smartphones and tablets. All features are accessed from an easy-to-use toolbar. To activate ReachDeck, click on the icon at the top right of the page to activate the ReachDeck toolbar.

The ReachDeck toolbar will reappear from page to page as long as you remain on the Child Development Programs website.

Note: ReachDeck needs to be activated before opening a PDF file in order for it correct read and translate them.

Here are the features provided with ReachDeck:

Text-to-Speech

ReachDeck improves comprehension and understanding by 7% by highlighting each word as it is read aloud and, simultaneously highlighting the sentence or paragraph in a contrasting colour. This allows users to easily identify what text is being read aloud and to navigate within and between web pages.

Spoken & Written Translation

ReachDeck translates web pages into 78 languages and speaks the translated text where there is a matching voice available, which is currently 35 languages.

MP3 Generation

ReachDeck convert text to an MP3 file. The text can be saved and listened to at a later time, at home or on the move.

Text Magnification

Magnify text as it is read aloud with ReachDeck. The magnified text is displayed with synchronous highlighting in a single line at the top of the screen as the text is being read aloud. This allows users with visual impairments to access even the smallest of text on a web page.

Screen Mask

Block distractions on your screen. A semi-opaque black mask extends across your screen leaving a letterbox reading window clear. This view helps users to focus on the section of the web page they are most interested in and ignore the unnecessary ‘clutter’.

Web Page Simplifier

ReachDeck remove clutter from your screen. This feature presents the current web page in a more user-friendly layout that is free from the secondary information on the page, such as adverts.

Customizable Options

Users can customize ReachDeck to suit individual needs and preferences, with options to alter the voice speed, highlighting colours and the text size during magnification. Users can also select default settings for the features they wish to switch on/off.


PDF compatible ReachDeck will also translate and read most PDF files. When opening a PDF file on the Child Development Programs website ReachDeck will ask if you would like ReachDeck to view and read the PDF document.

For more information, please visit https://www.texthelp.com/products/reachdeck/