Welcome to our comprehensive guide on browser plugins designed to support students with reading difficulties. We understand that accessing and comprehending online course content can sometimes pose challenges, and we’re here to help you find the right tools to make your learning journey smoother and more accessible. Whether you’re using Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, or Enhancing the Learning Experience: Browser Plugins for Students with Reading Difficulties
Many students face reading challenges, whether due to dyslexia, visual stress, or processing difficulties. Fortunately, a range of browser extensions can make online learning more accessible, especially when navigating content-rich platforms like this one.
Here are some free (and optional premium) plugins designed to support students with reading difficulties across all major browsers:
Google Chrome
- Grammarly (Free & Premium)
Aids spelling and grammar while helping users rephrase complex sentences. - OpenDyslexic Font (Free)
Applies a dyslexia-friendly font to all websites, improving letter differentiation. - BeeLine Reader (Free & Premium)
Adds gradient colour overlays to help guide the eye and improve reading flow. - Read Aloud (Free)
Converts selected text to speech, useful for specific passages. - Lightning Autofill (Free)
Remembers your previous submissions. Useful for quiz completions and corrects. Never make the same mistake twice.
Mozilla Firefox
- Read Aloud (Free)
Converts web text into spoken word using several voice options. - OpenDyslexic (Free)
Enables the OpenDyslexic font for easier reading. - Postlight Reader (Free)
Removes ads and distractions, leaving only text and images for a clean and consistent reading view on every site. - Spreeder (Free)
Helps boost reading fluency by training eye movement and word chunking. - NoSquint Plus (Free)
Allows zoom and colour settings to be saved on a per-site basis.
Microsoft Edge
- Microsoft Learning Tools (Built-in)
Integrated into Edge via “Immersive Reader,” offering read-aloud, line focus, and grammar options. - Read Aloud (Free)
Reads text aloud using various voices, adjustable for speed and pitch. - BeeLine Reader (Free & Premium)
BeeLine Reader uses color gradients to guide the eyes from one line of text to the next, reducing visual tracking issues and improving reading speed and focus. - Read Buddy (Free)
ReadBuddy is a browser extension that converts website text into the OpenDyslexia font.
Safari (macOS)
- Read&Write for Google Chrome (Free version available)
Compatible with Safari through TextHelp’s web interface, offering text-to-speech, dictionaries, and prediction tools. - SpeakIt! via Safari Extensions (Free)
- Mercury Reader (via Reader View)
Use Safari’s built-in Reader View to simplify content. - Safari’s built-in Reader View
Strips away ads, buttons, and background clutter, presenting a clean, distraction-free reading experience. You can adjust font size, style, and background colour for improved readability. - VoiceOver (Built-in macOS Screen Reader)
macOS includes VoiceOver, a powerful screen reader that works seamlessly with Safari. It reads aloud web page content, including links, headings, and form fields.
Opera
- Only Read (Free)
Simplifies pages to text-only mode, removing distractions. - Read Aloud (SpeakIt) (Free)
Text-to-speech extension with natural sounding voices by using HTML5 TTS APIs. - Text-to-Speech (TTS) (Free)
Converts text to speech.
Final Thoughts
These plugins aren’t magic wands, but they are powerful tools. Whether you’re completing RULEG exercises or navigating dense reading material, small adjustments to your browser can make a meaningful difference. Don’t be afraid to experiment, customise, and find the setup that works best for you.