Technology-based adaptive learning systems provide students with assistance and resources that are specifically tailored to meet their learning needs. According to bookshare.org (2024), Bookshare is the world’s largest accessible online library for people with print disabilities such as visual impairment and/or dyslexia. This adaptive learning system provides a specialized library with millions of audiobooks and ebooks for students who struggle to read print. The Bookshare library is expansive and includes bestsellers, new releases, fiction, nonfiction, mysteries, autobiographies, career resources, textbooks, educational titles, children’s books, young adult titles, etc. New books are available in the Bookshare collection on the same day they are released in stores and online.
The assistive reading features within the Bookshare library customize
books for people to best fit their reading needs. Readers can listen to audiobooks or read
ebooks that have word-level highlighting, large text or braille. Bookshare also offers other ways to customize
reading experiences to best fit the needs of each reader. Visual components
like text size, text color, and highlighter color can be customized, and audio components
such as reading speed can be adjusted/customized, as well.
With Bookshare, reading can take place on multiple devices including laptops, phones, and tablets. The Bookshare Reader app can be utilized on desktops, laptops, mobile devices, tablets, and Alexa Smart Speakers. Bookshare is a totally free, federally-funded reading tool for US students/residents who have a qualifying disability that prevents them from reading traditional (paper-based) books.
Students sign up through the Office of Special
Education programs using this link: https://www.bookshare.org/sign-up. In order to qualify, teachers or other
instructional staff must certify that a student has a barrier that prevents them
from effectively being able to read/interact with a traditional print book. Students do not need an IEP or 504 plan to
qualify. Schools are also able to sign
up to provide students with this adaptive technology. Adults can sign-up as an Individual US Non-Students
online and must provide proof of disability.
Bookshare is a technology that can be used by all ages from toddlers to
senior citizens.
Bookshare.org has valuable information for teachers and parents about their program. Bookshare also has a YouTube channel that educators, students, and families can subscribe to by clicking this link: Bookshare YouTube Channel There are many helpful videos and tutorials that show how to use this technology effectively. Additionally, you can follow Bookshare's Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts to stay up to date on the latest Bookshare happenings.
References
Bookshare. (2024). Bookshare. https://www.bookshare.org/
Hi Jenna,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this resource. I think it’s wonderful that students don’t have to have an IEP or 504 to qualify. In the past I have had a lot of students who didn't qualify for an IEP or 504 but could have benefited from the services Bookshare provides. I am interested in learning more about the qualification process and what documentation would have to be provided for a student to qualify in the case of students who don’t have an IEP or 504. It seems that Bookshare has an extensive library, which is great for ensuring that people with print disabilities can still find materials of interest. In a school setting, this resource could also help educators ensure that students have access to curriculum materials, such as textbooks, in an accessible format.
Hi, Jenna! Thank you for sharing such a insightful post about Bookshare. This is such a powerful example of how adaptive technology opens doors for people with print disabilities. I appreciate how Bookshare doesn't only provide just audiobooks or ebooks, but it provides a truly customizable reading experience. It's also really exciting that Bookshare can be accessed on so many different devices which allows students to learn in ways comfortable to them. Like Abby, I didn't realize students without an IEP or 504 qualify either. This was super great information to find out! Great post!
ReplyDeleteJenna
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of Bookshare until I took this class. Thank you so much for your insight and sharing all the amazing things it has to offer for scholars with disabilities. This is a tool that can be utilized even for regular scholars and the app makes the accessibility more accessible with the customized features. One even has the ability to follow on social media for updates, etc. The YouTube channel is a great resource. Great post,