Bookshare and Learning Ally (formerly Recordings for the Blind & Dyslexic) offer solutions for eligible students.
Operating under an exception to US copyright law, they make copyrighted books available in accessible formats to people with documented print disabilities.
What are key differences between Bookshare and Learning Ally?
Both are non-profit organizations that provide access to text for people with documented print disabilities.
Here are some differences between the two options:
Bookshare provides encrypted DAISY 3 (Digital Accessible Information System) text files for use with screen reader technology (that reads the text using a computer synthesized voice). The text can also appear on the screen with modifications such as enlargement or highlighting the words as they are read.
Bookshare can also provide text in refreshable or embossed Braille.
Learning Ally provides audiobooks. Volunteers read the text and the (human voice) audio files can be played using a variety of devices such as ipad, iphone or mp3 players.
Both providers offer an extensive selection.
However, the Bookshare library is significantly larger and includes access to newly published text books as well as some periodicals (newspapers, magazines).
Bookshare offers free membership to US students with a documented print disability due to a grant from the federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). Free membership extends to those enrolled in postsecondary programs as well as K-12 students. Eligible adults who are not enrolled in an educational program can pay for a $50 per year membership (with $25 one-time setup fee).
Learning Ally offers individual membership for eligible persons of any age at a cost of $99 per year.
Who is eligible for Bookshare?
If your child has a disability that makes it difficult or impossible to read a printed book, s/he is likely eligible for Bookshare. These disabilities may include vision impairments, learning disabilities, or physical limitations that interfere with manipulating a printed book. Click here for eligibility details.
Individual and school Bookshare memberships
Your child may be accessing digital materials through a school Bookshare membership. That’s great – but there’s nothing like an individual Bookshare membership that allows your child to choose and access books directly at any time.
A personal Bookshare membership has ignited a passion for books in many young people who have struggled with print.
Click here to find out how to apply for free individual student membership.
(Note – even with an individual membership, your child will need to work through his/her school to request textbooks. Textbooks cannot be accessed directly by students).
What texts are available via Bookshare?
The library is massive and growing. It includes textbooks, newspapers and magazines, as well as literature and popular books for pleasure reading. You can search for titles in multiple ways, including browsing subjects of interest. Children’s books and young adult literature is also categorized by reader’s age.
How are Bookshare files delivered?
Books are delivered to members in one of two formats:
- Encrypted DAISY 3 text files (Digital Accessible Information System) for use with screenreader technology
- Braille Refreshable Format (BRF) for Braille readers
Bookshare members may not share the files with anyone else. To do so is a copyright enfringement.
How can Bookshare files be accessed?
Bookshare offers a choice of two free software applications to access the DAISY 3 text files on either Mac or PC, High quality computer voices are also available without cost.
The Daisy 3 text files can also be accessed by other screen reader software programs that can be purchased independently.
In addition, apps are now available to read Bookshare files on iPad and Android devices.
Embossed braille can be ordered through a partnership with TechAdapt, Inc. Click here for details.
Who is eligible for Learning Ally?
Eligibility is similar to Bookshare. Click here for Learning Ally eligibility details.
Individual and school Learning Ally memberships
Your child may be able to access audiobooks from Learning Ally through a school membership. To find out about individual membership, click here.
What texts are available from Learning Ally?
Although not as extensive as Bookshare, Learning Ally has a large collection of textsbooks and literature for readers of all ages. Find out more here.
How are Learning Ally files delivered?
Learning Ally uses an Audiobook Manager that downloads files that have been ordered by a member and organizes them on a “bookshelf” from which you can sync them to your player. Click here to find out more.
How can Learning Ally files be accessed?
Apps can be purchased from Learning Ally to enable access of audiobooks via a number of popular devices. There is also a free software program available for desktop computer access of audiobooks. A dedicated reader can also be purchased.
Click here for more details about Learning Ally book playback options.
A word about reading instruction
If your child struggles with decoding and reading fluency, explicit research-based reading instruction is critically important. Your child will need to decode text on the job and in other situations without access to screen readers or audiobooks.
Bookshare and /or Learning Ally can help your child access content from text s/he cannot currently read fluently. That’s important. But explicit research-based reading instruction should continue, with close progress monitoring and instructional adjustments as needed to ensure steady progress in independent reading.
Has your child used Bookshare or Learning Ally? Please share your experiences or suggestions with us in the comments!
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Photo credit: Morgaine at Flickr
(Please read comments for updated information)