Audio Book Volunteers
Helping Blind, Physically Handicapped, and LD Students Access Books
Jan 22, 2009
Several major audio book services assist students with visual, physical, or learning disabilities. Typically these materials (leisure reading, newspapers, and textbooks) are available free of charge to qualified users. However, the transfer or processing of the original text to an accessible format is time consuming and manpower intensive. Most of the audio book services use a large number of volunteers to make the material available.
Volunteer Opportunities
Specific qualifications vary depending on the agency and the service that will be performed. Volunteers, however, often make the process successful. Consider the list of possible tasks for volunteers.
- Clerical – Just like other organizations, the need is great for clerical help.
- Reader – Many books are recorded onto tape or CD for “reader” use. Individuals with fluent reading skills and pleasant voices are always needed to record material (everything from popular books to current textbooks).
- Text Scanner – Many materials are scanned into the computer and will be viewed with specialized equipment to enlarge print. Some scanned texts will be “read” with a screenreading device or software program.
- Proofreader – Promotional materials, website information, and in some instances, the texts themselves must be proofread.
- Mailroom – If the materials are to be sent, someone must process the requests, package, and ship the items. Then, the reverse must be done when the items are returned.
- Computer programmer/web designer – The information must get out to the web. Computer specialists will be involved in the technical and internet needs of the organization.
- Phone/email help – People always have questions. When they call or email, someone must be there to talk with them.
- Promotions – How do people know about these services? Someone must brainstorm how to get the word out. Then someone must design and implement the ideas.
Audio Book Services
The following are major suppliers of accessible books for children and adults with visual, physical, or learning needs.
- The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) provides books in alternate formats to qualified individuals with vision loss. Materials can be accessed online or delivered through the postal service.
- Bookshare provides access to leisure reading books and textbooks to members. Qualified students in the United States can use Bookshare free of charge due funding from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs.
- The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) operates under the United States’ Library of Congress. Qualified borrowers receive books in audio, large print, or braille format through the mail. Special equipment that allows varied speed of listening is also available.
Volunteers provide the manpower and motivation to keep audio book services going. Volunteering with an audio book provider is an effective way to give back to the industry that makes reading available to many students and adults with disabilities.
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