The Assistive Technology Daily’s recent post of an article, “Can Audio and or/or Digital Books Improve Your Child’s Learning Outcomes?”,   from the National Center for Learning Disabilities, not only stirred my interest, but also strong feelings about access to print. From working with school aged students and post secondary student, many are not familiar with audio or digital resources that are readily available for use as free or paid for services and that can help them access print information and support their learning with greater independence, an important ability for especially post-secondary students.

The above mentioned article mentioned  Learning Ally and Bookshare, two electronic text resources for students that struggle with reading. Both services are now easier than ever to sign up and access. Memberships (Learning Ally is paid subscription and Bookshare free for individuals with a Print Disability) to the services allow use of numerous tools from free online browser tools, free and paid computer software as well as mobile apps. Although not the only resources for alternative instructional materials, they are easy to use and manage. Here is a listing of tools available for accessing the electronic files offered for each of the services:

Learning Ally ReadHear software on PC and Mac computers for Learning Ally members.

DAISY Devices – Digital Accessible Information System devices – a player designed specifically for Audiobooks. Typically used by individuals with low vision or blindness. The DAISYpedia is an excellent resource providing a listing of devices and services supporting the DAISY format.

Learning Ally Apps for Android and iOS devices (both free apps). A Learning Ally membership is required to use the apps.

Bookshare.org

Bookshare.org provides electronic files for individuals with a print disability. It is a free service funded by OSEP to individual members and institutions for those that qualify. Apps and software to manage Bookshare files are available.  Bookshare outlines all of the Reading Tools available for Bookshare members.

Web based or Apps available to support the use of Bookshare files:

Google Chrome Web Browser and Bookshelf – (free) provides a method of downloading and accessing Bookshare files using Google Chrome.

Read2Go App for iOS (19.99) – App for iPhone and iPad providing direct and easy access to Bookshare books.

Go Read App for Android (free) – Android app for Bookshare members.

Voice Dream Reader App  for iOS (9.99) – Lite and full version provides an easy method of downloading Bookshare book files.

Computer based software supporting Bookshare files includes:

• Kurzweil 1000 – Reading and writing software for individuals with low vision or blindness.
• Openbook – Software for individuals with low vision.
• Kurzweil  3000 – Reading and writing software for individuals with learning disabilities.
• Read Outloud 6 – Reading software for individuals with disabilities.
• Read & Write Gold – Reading and writing software for individuals with learning disabilities.
• WYNN  – Reading and writing software for individuals with learning disabilities.
• JAWS for Windows  – Computer based software for individuals with blindness.
• Window Eyes – Computer based software for individuals with blindness.

What is the research regarding the use of alternative text? Here are a few resources, citing research on the subject from National Center for AIM Research.

• The Promise of Accessible Textbooks: Increased Achievement for All Students (Stahl, 2004).
• AIM Research: Text to Speech (National Center for AIM)

What do you use to supply accessible instructional materials to your students or clients?

Carol

References:

Stahl, S. (2004). The promise of accessible textbooks: increased achievement for all students. Wakefield, MA: National Center on Accessing the General Curriculum. Retrieved [insert date] from http://aim.cast.org/learn/historyarchive/backgroundpapers/promise_of_accessible_textbooks#.U1zpS89eHIU

“Text-to-Speech” | National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials.” Text-to-Speech | National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials. AIM, n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2014. <http://aim.cast.org/learn/research/aimresearch/sr_text-to-speech#.U1zmTs9eHIU&gt;.