Ask if your school has a membership to organizations that specialize in providing accessible formats such as Bookshare, an online digital library of more than 150,000 copyrighted books and textbooks and Learning Ally, an audio library of over 70,000 digitally and human-recorded textbooks and literature titles.
Both organizations are approved by the U.S. Department of Education to provide AIM to school districts and schools when they request the digital files/formats for students who qualify with print disabilities. Once you are a “qualified” member of either organization, it is fairly easy to become a member of the other, thanks to their cooperative mission. Although not always the case, some schools and districts will pay for an eligible child’s membership to one or both organizations. You may even choose to give both organizations a try to determine the best reading solution for your child.
About Learning Ally
Learning Ally provides textbooks and novels in human narrated recorded audio.
There is an annual membership fee of $99 and a 30-day risk-free trial.
Over 300,000 K-12, college and graduate students use the resource today.
Audio books are delivered in encrypted formats and can be read on specialized players such as the portable Plextor Pocket device or Victor Reader Stream. Audio files cannot be read by e-readers such as Kindle or Nooks; there is an app for Apple iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches for sale.
Portable and desktop players and CD-reading software are available for sale to students, teachers, and professionals to use in the classroom, office, or at home. Browse the players.
About Bookshare
Bookshare provides textbooks and lots of books in digital format at no cost to qualifying U.S. K-12 and postsecondary students with proof of disability. Students who qualify are blind, have low vision, a physical disability, or a severe reading disability, such as dyslexia.
Titles are available in DAISY and braille formats, including teacher recommended reading, classics, K-12 textbooks, dictionaries, popular teen titles, children’s literature, encyclopedias, vocational manuals, periodicals, postsecondary textbooks, and journals.
There are two types of memberships:
Organizational Membership – Schools and/or districts can sign up as many teachers (sponsors) as needed to download textbooks and novels on behalf of students who qualify.
Individual Membership – Students can self-download e-books (except K-12 textbooks) at home to extend abilities for anywhere, anytime learning and pleasure reading.
Two reading technologies are free to members: Read:OutLoud Bookshare Edition, by Don Johnston, (Mac and Windows) and Victor Reader Soft Bookshare Edition, by HumanWare. There is a portable app, Read2Go, available in the Apple iTunes Store.
Bookshare encourages parents to apply for individual membership so a child (who qualifies) can download e-books based on personal interests and get more use of the free reading tools.
So, you’ve learned about AIM and why students with print disabilities such as dyslexia should generally be found eligible by schools and districts. You’ve also learned about the digital (or e-book) file formats, been given suggestions in talking with your IEP team about AIM, and learned where to find quality audio and digital resources.
In Part 2 of this article, “Reading Technologies", we’ll explore features of reading technologies and how a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approach delivers accessible materials in multiple formats and representations. With this knowledge you’ll be able to put a plan in motion with your school so you can help your child or teen improve his or her learning outcomes and become competent readers today.
Valerie Chernek, a PR specialist and disability advocate, writes about educational best practices through the use of technology and digital learning to support children with LD and special needs.
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