[Blindtlk] Story about accessible Nook reader on the Matilda Ziegler e-mail today

[cheryl echevarria]

I do not know how many people still read the Matilda Ziegler e-mail. Today they had one of there writers try out the update for the Voice over application for the Barnes and Noble Nook.
See below:
Feature Writer Alena Roberts - Barnes and Noble Steps Up and Makes Their Nook App Accessible 

As a child, going to the library or a bookstore was one of my favorite things--I love to read. But as my vision declined, these two places became much less appealing. When I moved to audio books exclusively, I remember being really frustrated about how many books were no longer available to me. Over the years, access to print material has improved dramatically thanks to companies like Bookshare and Blio, but there are still many titles that people with print disabilities don't have access to. But just over a week ago, Barnes and Noble became another place that people with print disabilities can turn to by making their Nook app on iOS and Android accessible.

The Nook is Barnes and Noble's popular ebook reader. The Nook tablet itself is not usable for the blind and visually impaired, but like many other companies, they have an app that gives you access to their ebook library on other devices. The nook store has thousands of titles to choose from and many of them are free. 

After learning that the Nook app had been updated to work with Voiceover, I immediately downloaded it to test it out. I quickly realized, though, that I had missed a step. When using an iPhone, any book that is not from iBooks has to be purchased from the company's website rather than inside the app itself. Remembering this, I then went to Barnes and Noble's website to set up my account. I was then able to go back to the Nook app and sign in. 

Not only has Barnes and Noble made their app accessible, but they also include a tutorial for voiceover users on which gestures to use in the app. This shows not only that they want our business, but that they want to be sure we understand how to use their software. The app allows you to choose from continuous reading or reading by word or character, as well as navigational choices like choosing a page number or moving by chapter. Reading in this app is very similar to using iBooks.

I recommend trying out the app and adding it to your list of accessible ebook apps. Here is a link to the app description in iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nook/id373582546?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4 

Disabled Entrepreneur of the Year 2012 of NY State
Leading the Way in Independent Travel!
SNG Certified - Accessible Travel Advocate!
Cheryl Echevarria, Ownerhttp://www.echevarriatravel.com631-456-5394reservations@echevarriatravel.comhttp://www.echevarriatravel.wordpress.com
2012 Norwegian Cruise Line University Advisory Board Member.
Echevarria Travel and proud member of the National Federation of the Blind will be holding a year round fundraiser for the http://www.NFBNY.org after Hurricane Sandy and other resources. Any vacation package booked between November 6 2012-November 6, 2013 and vacation must be traveled no later than 12/30/2014 a percentage of my earnings will go to the affiliate.  Also is you book a Sandals for couples or Beaches for families and friends resorts vacation, $100.00 per booking will go to the affiliate as well.  You do not need to be a member of the NFB.org, just book through us.
Thank you.