October 2009 Archive

Bookshare (October 22, 2009)

People with print disabilities deserve to enjoy reading as much as all other readers. Yet, currently fewer than five percent of the books needed by people with print disabilities are available in accessible formats such as digital text or digital Braille.

Bookshare 's goal is to raise the floor of access so that people with print disabilities can obtain a broad spectrum of print materials at the same time as everyone else.

People with visual impairments, physical disabilities and/or learning disabilities can look to Bookshare to dramatically increase the quantity and timely availability of books and newspapers in accessible formats. Further, Bookshare s vision encompasses new technological developments as well as new applications of widely available technologies to stretch the power of technology for increased access to content.

Bookshare is diligently working toward this goal by:

• Building the Bookshare digital library as rapidly as possible through Volunteers, partnerships, and publishers.
• Spreading the word so that everyone who is eligible to join Bookshare has the opportunity to do so.
• Expanding the choices of access technology available for people with print disabilities. Bookshare is leveraging new technological developments that make reading digital books easier.

To learn more about the Bookshare program, go to: http://www.bookshare.org/

To find out if you or one of your learners qualifies for Bookshare, go to: http://www.bookshare.org/about/membershipQualifications.

October is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month (October 15, 2009)

In the U.S. and Canada, October is dedicated to spreading awareness about learning disabilities. Find out more about learning disabilities in adults at: http://www.ldonline.org/indepth/adults