1 Presented by M. Catherine McAdam Michigan Assistive Technology Program (MATP) Reading for All

2 A disability justice movement working to transform communities. Home of Michigan’s Assistive Technology Program (MATP) Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC)

3 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?

4 It is “Reading”! Reading out loud to children has been found to be an essential key to early learning Listening to Books

5 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?

6 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 Vision

7 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 /Dyslexia

8 Primary issue for “reading” is the difficulty holding or manipulating pages in a book. Print Disabilities: Physical

9 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 Books

10 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

11 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

12 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 DAISY

13 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 fees Related apps may also have fees Where Can I Get DAISY Books?

14 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 Books

15 400,000 titles A free service Also provides equipment/player Underutilized Eligibility defined by congress Audio or Braille National Library Services NLS

16 Amplifier, hearing loss separate application Breath activation, separate application Pillow speaker Headphones NLS Digital Talking-book Machine Accessories

17 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 Eligibility

18 Can be confusing You may want to contact a local library for help with an application. Michigan libraries for people with disabilities Michigan libraries for people with disabilities NLS Application

19 BARD: Braille and Audio Reading Download Available online and as an iOS app Apple only, plans for android Must be a qualified member BARD App

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

21 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 – Apple

22 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 Apps

23 Formerly Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic Has 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 $99 Educational facilities can obtain a subscription Computer based for text and audio Good technical support Learning Ally

24 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 App

25 No qualifier Both free and paid downloads Highlights large print and braille availability Uses DAISY format for computer- based text Read How You Want Website Read How You Want

26 What’s new in e- Readers in 2014 Reading apps for tablets Tech Thursday Podcasts

27 Project Gutenberg Online libraries Free eBooks via Computer or Tablet

28 Audible Librivox website - free public domain audiobooks Open Culture website Public Libraries Other Audiobooks

29 Try before you buy Exclusivity Check out glare, magnification options, size Voicing options Ability to get training/support E Readers and Tablets

30 Check settings for built-in features Check app accessibility at apple vis Has apps for Kindle and Nook, but some limitations Apple

31 TalkBack free screen reading Ideal Group Reader Look for accessible info at Android Access Magnification settings and apps Android

32 Switches Voice Activation Stylus Mouth Stylus Cases Mounting Systems Mobility

33 Learning Ally and Bookshare use their own DAISY software There is also Open Source, free DAISY software Some screen readers come with DAISY Software

34 WYNN Kurzewell 1000 and 3000 A variety of apps ◦ Kurzewell ◦ Prizmo Scan and Read

35 Talking book player…free Victor Reader Bookport Plus Access World Reviews Book Players

36 Reading rights Consumer organizations Education to promote use of underutilized resources Advocacy

37 “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 Thought

38 Cathy McAdam MATP Main Office (800) , (517) Web: MATP Blog - MATP Blog MATP Twitter - MATP Twitter