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Presented by M. Catherine McAdam

Michigan Assistive Technology Program (MATP)

Reading for AllReading for All

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• A disability justice movement working to transform communities.

• Home of Michigan’s Assistive Technology Program (MATP)

Michigan Disability Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC)Rights Coalition (MDRC)

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dictionary.com definition: ◦To look at carefully so as to understand

the meaning of (something written, printed, etc.)

◦To utter aloud or render in speech (something written, printed, etc.)

Alternative methods are still “reading”Equal and not separate Reading

Rights 

What is Reading?What is Reading?

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It is “Reading”!Reading out loud to

children has been found to be an essential key to early learning

Listening to BooksListening to Books

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The definition of print disability generally includes blind low vision, learning disabilities, and physical disabilities which limit access to printed text.

What is a Print Disability?What is a Print Disability?

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Most eye care professionals prefer to use the term "low vision" to describe permanently reduced vision that cannot be corrected with regular glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery. 

Legal blindness is an acuity definition used by social security and rehab programs for qualification.

Print Disabilities: Low VisionPrint Disabilities: Low Vision

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A learning disability is a neurological disorder.

In simple terms, a learning disability results from a difference in the way a person's brain is "wired."

Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability.

Dyslexia refers to a cluster of symptoms, which result in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading.

Print Disabilities: Learning Print Disabilities: Learning /Dyslexia/Dyslexia

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Primary issue for “reading” is the difficulty holding or manipulating pages in a book.

Print Disabilities: PhysicalPrint Disabilities: Physical

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For many years it was thought books read out loud were only for those who are blind or visually impaired. And, back in the day, they were actually records, or tapes.

Talking BooksTalking Books

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Now most everything is digital and you can use a mobile device, computer, eBook or tablet to read what is produced.

Not all formats or tablets are fully accessible or useable for people with “print disabilities”

Digital Information

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DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) is an international open standard that enables the creation of digital talking books with synchronized text, audio and images

Defining DAISY

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A DAISY formatted book can be navigated by chapters, bookmarked, and easily searched.

For many people who cannot hold a print book, a recorded option is useable with a switch device.

For people who have learning disabilities, reading out loud while tracking text and the use bookmarked passages is essential.

About DAISYAbout DAISY

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There are programs which provide DAISY formatted books for people with print disabilities.

There is an application process and qualifying criteria for these programs◦(Note: equipment, software or apps are

provided as part of these programs.)Some programs have annual feesRelated apps may also have fees

Where Can I Get DAISY Books?

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There are many great sites for text or audio books.

May not be in the DAISY format

See details in resource handout

Other Options for Digital Other Options for Digital BooksBooks

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400,000 titles A free serviceAlso provides

equipment/playerUnderutilized Eligibility defined by

congressAudio or Braille

National Library Services NLSNational Library Services NLS

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Amplifier, hearing loss separate application

Breath activation, separate application

Pillow speakerHeadphones

NLS Digital Talking-book Machine Accessories

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Eligibility is a bit technical Includes:

◦blind/low vision, (defining acuity)◦ physical limitations, ◦And reading disabilities resulting

from organic dysfunction. Not all reading disabilities.

NLS EligibilityNLS Eligibility

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Can be confusingYou may want to

contact a local library for help with an application.

Michigan libraries for people with disabilities

NLS ApplicationNLS Application

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BARD: Braille and Audio Reading Download

Available online and as an iOS app 

Apple only, plans for android

Must be a qualified member

BARD AppBARD App

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Approximately 324,000 titles A subscription service $75 to join + $50 a

yearThe definition of a print disability includes:

Learning disabilities, physical disabilities and blind low vision.

They list several certifying authorities, and note that ADHD and autism by themselves would not qualify, but may if multiple disabilities exist.

Free for K through 12

Bookshare Bookshare

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ReadtoGo integrates images and highlights text

Spotlight Text: does not support bookmarks yet, allows for tracking of text, working on integrating images

Dream Reader: no images

Bookshare Supported Apps – Bookshare Supported Apps – AppleApple

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Go Read: Android - no word highlighting or images

The Bookshare website has a very detailed list of options including hardware and braille support 

Bookshare: Other AppsBookshare: Other Apps

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Formerly Recording for the Blind and DyslexicHas approximately 75,000 titles, they specialize

in material for education. Strong support for people with Dyslexia and

Learning Disabilities They help you obtain the proper documentation

for membership Individual yearly subscription $99Educational facilities can obtain a subscriptionComputer based for text and audioGood technical support

Learning Ally Learning Ally

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Free app if a qualified member

Both Apple and Android (not chrome books)

Classic is audio only will indicate when Voice Text is available

Learning Ally AppLearning Ally App

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No qualifierBoth free and paid downloadsHighlights large print and braille

availabilityUses DAISY format for computer-

based textRead How You Want Website

Read How You WantRead How You Want

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What’s new in e-Readers in 2014

Reading apps for tablets

Tech Thursday PodcastsTech Thursday Podcasts

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Project Gutenberg

Online libraries

Free eBooks via Computer or Free eBooks via Computer or TabletTablet

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AudibleLibrivox website -

free public domain audiobooks

Open Culture website

Public Libraries

Other AudiobooksOther Audiobooks

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Try before you buy ExclusivityCheck out glare,

magnification options, size

Voicing optionsAbility to get

training/support

E Readers and TabletsE Readers and Tablets

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Check settings for built-in features

Check app accessibility at apple vis

Has apps for Kindle and Nook, but some limitations

Apple Apple

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TalkBack free screen reading

Ideal Group ReaderLook for accessible info

at Android Access Magnification settings

and apps

AndroidAndroid

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SwitchesVoice ActivationStylusMouth StylusCasesMounting Systems

MobilityMobility

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Learning Ally and Bookshare use their own DAISY software

There is also Open Source, free DAISY software

Some screen readers come with DAISY  

SoftwareSoftware

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WYNNKurzewell 1000

and 3000A variety of apps

◦Kurzewell◦Prizmo

Scan and ReadScan and Read

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Talking book player…free

Victor ReaderBookport PlusAccess World

Reviews

Book PlayersBook Players

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Reading rights Consumer

organizationsEducation to promote

use of underutilized resources

AdvocacyAdvocacy

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“Many people think that listening to books is cheating. I tell them that the words are still entering your brain, creating pictures, telling a story. It’s not a crutch; it’s a different way to get to the same place.” – Hannah Sherman, a person with dyslexia

Final ThoughtFinal Thought

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• Cathy McAdammcmcadam@mymdrc.org

• MATP Main Office (800) 760-4600,(517) 333-2477mdrc@mymdrc.org

• Web: www.mymdrc.org

• MATP Blog -www.miassisttech.org/mdrcat/

• MATP Twitter -http://twitter.com/MIAssistTech

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