I am always looking for ways to make media access easier for folks with disabilities, especially students. When I came across the Talking Book Services from the South Carolina State Library, I immediately thought of how well that would serve students and teachers. Talking Book Services is a free service that provides materials for people who have disabilities that prevent them from holding or reading normal print books. This includes a wide variety of materials:
Digital audiobooks
BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download)
Braille books
Large print books
Audio descriptive DVDs
Digital audio and braille magazines
Assistive devices, such as screen readers, braillers, and devices that help magnify text (caveat: assistive devices can only be used in person at the South Carolina State Library Inclusive Services Center)
Though these services are free, potential users must fill out a short application in order to have access to these resources. After users have been approved, they will be supplied with login information to make an online account so they can begin using the website. If schools wish to apply, they must supply a list of students with qualifying disabilities and those students must be set up with their own Talking Book Services account at home before the school can be approved.
This tool has so many potential uses. It can allow students to access the same materials as their peers in a way that suits their needs; students could receive braille, large print, or audio versions of assigned reading books. This also allows students to have access to expensive assistive technologies that they otherwise might not be able to use, such as an Optelec ClearReader or a Perkins Brailler, which can cost several hundred or several thousand dollars. Many schools do not have the ability to offer all of the materials that Talking Books Services offers, and this free service is a great way to provide access to students who are often excluded.
Hey Rachel. I enjoyed reading your blog post. Until here recently, I had never met a blind person. I have recently come to know someone and it so interesting to see the world through their eyes. I have watched them create things with Braille and show them how to use it. I have watched them learn how to use a walker to get around. It truly is a unique experience to have empathy and put myself in their shoes. Talking Book Services is something that I would love to explore more and even share with my new friend. Thanks for the resources you are providing at the State Library.
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