This website is now speech-enabled, using a free software download called Browsealoud. By following these simple instructions, you can install Browsealoud on to your PC and have the site (and others that are speech enabled, such as www.bbc.co.uk) read aloud to you.

To use Browsealoud, you will need Internet Explorer 4 upwards, or Netscape Navigator.

Why speech enable our site?

Here at Maldon District Council we are determined to make our website accessible to all. By speech enabling www.maldon.gov.uk, we can now extend our content to people who find it hard to read, such as those with dyslexia or learning difficulties, those for whom English is not their first language, or anyone with a mild visual impairment.

How does Browsealoud work and how can I get it?

Browsealoud works by installing the software on to your PC from here. You can also get full instructions on how to do this by clicking here.

Once the software is installed, you will see a small blue icon in your system tray (bottom right of the screen, next to the clock). When this has a red tick over the top, it means the site you are accessing is speech enabled. Roll the cursor over the site content and the text will be read aloud to you.

Does it work on PDFs?

If you have Adobe Reader version 6.0 upwards, Browsealoud will also read PDF documents to you. To download a free copy of the latest version of Adobe Reader, please click here.

Can I customise Browsealoud?

Yes. Right click on the blue Browsealoud icon in the system tray, and choose 'open Browsealoud settings' from the menu. For a detailed description of customization options, check out the FAQs on the Browsealoud website.