Technology Help for Seniors: How the Google Docs Read-Aloud Feature Improves Accessibility
Technology can already be overwhelming for seniors, but it’s even more so for those with vision impairment. There are 13.2 million older Americans who have vision impairment or total blindness. Luckily, there are many tools that can help older adults continue to use technology to communicate and stay connected. The latest is a new feature just introduced by Google called “Audio”.
Google’s“Audio” feature allows documents to be read aloud. Instead of reading text on the screen, users can now listen while the document is spoken aloud.
The feature can be accessed directly from the Tools menu by selecting Audio.
This new read aloud feature is great for those with vision impairment. It improves accessibility because it allows users to listen to documents instead of relying only on reading text on a screen.
The audio feature is another great example of accessible technology design.
Read aloud tools help people who may experience:
Vision challenges
Reading difficulties
Cognitive fatigue
Difficulty focusing on long blocks of text.
Features like this reduce barriers and help make digital content easier to access.
To access the new “Audio” feature:
Open a new or existing Google Document.
Click on Tools in the top navigation.
Click on “Audio”
You can listen to a summary or the entire document.
Accessibility and Senior Tech Support Go Hand in Hand
Tools like the Google Docs Audio feature are an important step forward in helping seniors access technology, and there are many other great accessibility tools to share.
Many seniors also benefit from other forms of technology help. This includes
Digital literacy training
Device set up assistance
Troubleshooting support
Helping Seniors Stay Connected
Technology should help people - not frustrate them.
With the right technology help for seniors, older adults can use digital tools with confidence and stay connected with family, friends and the world around them.
To learn more about options for accessibility including the new Google “Audio” feature, contact Candoo Tech www.candootech.com or call 646-758-6606.