Apple’s macOS includes the VoiceOver Screen Reader to read aloud what’s on the screen and help people with visual impairments browse the web and use Macs. It’s a native screen reader that will read aloud descriptions of everything that happens on your screen. It’s the same way you can make your Android phone read text aloud using the Google Assistant.
VoiceOver is available as a native app on your Mac. This post will show how you can enable VoiceOver Screen Reader on your Mac to help the visually impaired.
How to turn on VoiceOver on a Mac
If you have a family member or friend who is blind or prefers listening instead of reading to learn something new, turning on VoiceOver Screen Reader will allow them to control their Mac. Here’s how to enable it on a Mac.
Step 1: Press Command + F5 on your Mac.
A VoiceOver utility window will open on your screen with an audio description of how it works.
Step 2: Click Use VoiceOver or press V on your keyboard to start using it.
A VoiceOver window will appear on the screen with the text currently on your screen being read by Siri.
VoiceOver will immediately read any text selected by the cursor using a rectangular box.
To turn off VoiceOver, just click the X icon in the VoiceOver window.
Alternatively, here’s how you can turn on VoiceOver on your Mac.
Step 1: Press Command + Spacebar to open Spotlight Search, type System Preferences, and press Back.
Step 2: In System Preferences, click Accessibility.
Step 3: Click VoiceOver from the menu on the left.
Step 4: On the right, click the checkbox next to Enable VoiceOver to enable the feature.
The VoiceOver utility window will appear on your screen with an audio narration of how it works.
Step 5: Click Use VoiceOver or press V to start using it.
You can also click Learn more for a full audio guide on how to use VoiceOver.
How to change VoiceOver’s speech length
Once VoiceOver is enabled, there are many ways to customize VoiceOver Speech to user preferences. First, let us show how you can change the speed or granularity of your VoiceOver Speech.
Step 1: Click the Apple icon in the top left corner of the menu bar.
Step 2: Select System Preferences.
Step 3: When the System Properties window appears, click on Accessibility.
Step 4: Select VoiceOver from the menu on the left.
Step 5: Click the Open VoiceOver Utility option in the bottom right corner.
Step 6: Once the VoiceOver Utilities window opens on your desktop, click Granularity from the menu on the left.
Step 7: In the Speech tab, click the drop-down menu next to Default Speech granularity.
Step 8: Select Speech Length according to user choice.
Step 9: Close the window and press Command + F5 to start using VoiceOver.
How to change VoiceOver’s voice
Another useful customization is to change the voice of VoiceOver Speech on your Mac. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Click the Apple menu in the upper right corner.
Step 2: Select System Preferences.
Step 3: Click Accessibility.
Step 4: Click VoiceOver from the menu on the left.
Step 5: Click Open VoiceOver Utility from the bottom right corner.
Step 6: Select Speech from the menu on the left.
Step 7: Under Voices, select the Voice drop-down menu.
Step 8: Select the Voice to read according to the user’s wishes.
You can click Customize to choose more Speech Voices.
To make selections easier, you can also play Voice. Please note that you will have to wait until your newly selected Speech Voice is downloaded on your Mac.
Step 7: After selecting your preferred Voice, close the window and press Command + F5 to launch VoiceOver.
Bonus Tip – Customize Selected Voice
Once you’ve selected a new Voice for VoiceOver, you can further customize it to the user’s preferences. This is the way.
Step 1: Press Command + Spacebar to open Spotlight Search, type VoiceOver Utility, and press Back.
Step 2: Select Speech from the menu on the left.
Step 3: Select the Voice to read according to the user’s wishes in the Voice tab.
Step 3: Once selected, click Edit on the right.
Step 4: Customize Voice Settings like Speed, Pitch, Volume, and Intonation.
Step 5: Click Ok to save the changes.
Empowering people with disabilities
VoiceOver screen reader can break down barriers for visually impaired or audio-only learners to navigate the internet and use Macs with ease. We have also listed some of the best iPhone apps for those with accessibility needs. We also have some accessibility tips for seniors to make it easier for them to use iPhone.
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
