Digital Accessibility

Defiance Public Library System wholeheartedly embraces a diverse community, celebrating the unique abilities of every individual. To further enhance inclusivity, we have integrated an accessibility toolbar into our website, empowering everyone to fully engage with their libraries. This toolbar is used in conjunction with other efforts to make our website accessible to as many patrons as possible. Explore the comprehensive guide below to make the most of your web browsing experience.

DPLS understands that no single tool will remedy all web accessibility issues. If you encounter a specific issue, please contact the Communications Coordinator so we can seek a solution for you.

Web Accessibility and Language Toolbar

Image of all 17 icons that make up the reciteme toolbar

The Recite Me toolbar has a unique range of functions. You can use it to:

  • Read website text aloud (including PDFs)
  • Download the text as an MP3 file to play it where and when it suits you
  • Change font sizes and colors
  • Customize background-color
  • Translate text into more than 100 different languages
  • Access a fully integrated dictionary and thesaurus

How do I access the toolbar?

You can open the Recite Me language and accessibility toolbar by clicking on the digital accessibility button in the bottom right corner of the page.

After you click on the button, the Recite Me toolbar opens and displays a range of different options for customizing the way the website looks and ways you can interact with the content.

At any time, you can exit from the toolbar by click on the X in the top right corner. 

Recite Me User Guide

Play Audio

Back: Rewind to the previous paragraph of text.
Play: Click the Play button to read the text aloud.
Forward: Skip forward to the next paragraph of text.

An image of the three green buttons in the play audio section of the toolbar

Text Options

Decrease: This will decrease the text size.
Font: You can change the font that displays on the page
Increase: This will increase the text size

Image of three blue text options icons

Color, Ruler, and Mask

Color: Change the background, text, and link colors

Ruler: Click to enable the reading ruler
Screen Mask: Will create a letterbox for focused viewing of a section of the page

image of color, ruler, and screenmask icons

Dictionary, Translation, & Magnifier

Dictionary: Highlight and click on this to view the definition of the word

Translation: Translate text into a different language
Magnifier: Click and drag the magnifying glass to magnify text on the screen.

image of dictionary, translation, and magnifier icons

Margins, Plain Text Mode, and Download Audio

Text Mode: Remove images to view content in plain text mode
Margins: Change the text dimensions by narrowing the width of the text column
Download Audio: Highlight the text then click the button to download the text as an audio file

image of margins, plain text mode, and download audio icons

Settings

Settings: Adjust your Recite Me toolbar settings
Reset: This will restore the default settings
User Guide: This will give you an overview of the Recite Me Toolbar Features

Image of settings, reset, and user guide icons

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to download anything to enable Recite Me?
A: No. Recite Me is cloud-based software so there is no need to install anything on your computer.

Q: How do I disable the auto read?
A: To disable the auto read you need to click on the button marked “Settings”. This will give you a list of 3 functions to choose from. You need to click on the bottom to the Right of the option marked “Autoplay” This will then disable auto-read.

Q: Does Recite Me work across different operating systems and mobile devices?
A: Yes. This software works on multiple devices and operating systems including Android, iOS, Linux, Mac, and Windows devices.

Q: Can I save my settings?
A: The Recite Me toolbar uses cookies to save user settings.

Q: How do I change the language?
A: To change the language of the website that you are viewing you need to select the button marked “Languages”. This will then produce a drop-down list of all the languages that Recite offers. Find the language that you want from the list and press on it, the site will then be converted to that language.

Q: How do I create an MP3?
A: To create an MP3, first turn off the Autoplay option located within the settings button. Highlight the section of Text that you wish to create into an MP3. Once highlighted select the Download Audio button from the toolbar. You will then see a message telling you that your file is being created. Once created you will see the file appear ready at the bottom of the web page. You can now either listen to the file created or save it to a location of your choice.

Q: How do I turn off Recite Me?
A: To Close the Recite toolbar simply click on the icon marked “Close” to the right of the Toolbar.

Other Accessibility Services

Browsing Assistance

Patrons who need assistance browsing the collection due to a disability may contact the main desk at each DPLS location to arrange one-on-one help.

Large Print and Audiobooks

All DPLS libraries have large print and audiobooks available. Audiobooks may also be downloaded from the Ohio Digital Library through our website.

Homebound Services

The DPLS Homebound Program provides library services to those who are unable to visit the library in person. Books and other materials are delivered in person on a regular schedule. For more information, please visit our Home Bound Delivery page.

Deafness and Hearing Loss

DPLS libraries purchase closed-caption DVDs when available.