Digital Book Library Improves Reading Opportunities for Students with Print Disabilities

Thanks to a federal award from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, more than 15,000 California students who are blind, have low vision, a physical disability or learning disability, like dyslexia, are members of a free online library called Bookshare. (www.bookshare.org).

Through this digital book library, students who qualify can receive their curriculum (etextbooks) and required reading assignments (ebooks) in accesible file formats (audio, digital, braille, large print) at the start of school, rather than waiting for weeks or months.  They also receive access to two free reading technologies that read digital content aloud. 

Bookshare enables more students with print disabiliteis to keep up the learning pace with peers and school assignments and to study more independently. Best of all, students can improve their literacy skills to achieve their academic goals. 

Sadly, an estimated 66,000 California students who qualify for the free digital library are not receiving access due to lack of knowledge by parents and educators.

As part of the 2012 Educate America US DOE tour, Bookshare and Toyon Elementary School will demonstrate the use of ebooks and technologies on Tuesday, September 11th, 2012 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the school.

You can attend to hear Will H. Ector, Jr., Superintendent of Berryessa Union School and members of the U.S. DOE, Office of Special Education, talk about the service.  Here are the details:

Date: Tuesday, September 11, 2012 – 4:00 to 6:00 pm
Location: Toyon Elementary School, 995 Bard Street, San Jose, CA 95127

During the technology showcase, students with varying disabilities will demonstrate how ebooks and reading technologies can improve reading and learning outcomes for children and adolescents with print disabilities.

Visit www.bookshare.org to learn how to learn how to level the learning field with timely access to required reading as required by IDEA law, improve reading independence for students with print disabilities, and to increase access to literacy in digital formats.