Accessibility Reader Tool Launched
The TOEX Programme has released its newest application within the Capabilities Environment: the TOEX Accessibility Reader.
Developed in-house by TOEX developers, the Accessibility Reader aims to help police colleagues personalise how they view and interact with digital content.
The application allows users to upload Word, Excel, CSV, and PDF files and apply a range of accessibility settings designed to improve reading comfort and usability.
Features include text-to-speech, typography and appearance controls, text bolding, and a reading ruler. Users can also save their preferred settings, allowing the same personalised experience to be applied to future documents.
While accessibility tools are often associated with neurodivergence, the benefits extend across the wider workforce. Different text sizes, colours, spacing and reading aids can support colleagues with dyslexia, ADHD, and other neurodivergent conditions. They can also benefit anyone who spends extended periods reviewing documents on screen, helping to reduce visual fatigue and improve concentration. Research has shown that prolonged screen use can contribute to eye strain, headaches, blurred vision, and concentration difficulties.
The Accessibility Reader recognises that there is no single way in which people engage with and process information most effectively. By allowing users to tailor their reading experience to their own preferences, the application supports comfort, concentration, and productivity. The development also reflects a broader understanding that accessibility is about removing barriers and enabling everyone to engage with workplace content in a way that suits them.
In this video, hear from TOEX Data Insights Analyst, Ilona Diomidova, who is the brains behind the app and describes her experience of accessibility and where this idea came from.
The Accessibility Reader application is now available through the TOEX Capabilities Environment, accompanied by written and video guidance to help users get the most from its features.