[Ohio-Talk] Fwd: How Digital Content Empowers Braille Literacy

[Maggie Stringer]

How Digital Content Empowers Braille Literacy

[https://blog.freedomscientific.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cropped-Freedom-Banner-1.jpg]

Braille is an essential tool that promotes literacy for individuals
who are blind. It provides a means of reading and writing at home, in
school, and in the workplace that can’t be substituted by any other
means of accessibility.

Braille is widely produced on paper and made available via technology
such as refreshable braille displays, computers, and standalone
refreshable braille devices. This technology provides braille access
to a wealth of digital content, including:
  *   Documents
  *   E-mails
  *   Web pages
  *   Books

Now that Braille Literacy Month is coming to a close, we want to
recognize several organizations who continue to provide braille
content that empowers braille literacy for individuals who are blind.

National Library Services for the Blind and Print Disabled
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print
Disabled<https://www.loc.gov/nls/> (NLS) is located at the United
States Library of Congress, and provides braille and recorded
materials to individuals who are unable to read regular printed
materials. This program is free to qualifying U.S. citizens, and
offers services to both children and adults.
NLS mails physical books, periodicals, and other materials to
qualifying patrons, plus offers digital content through their Braille
and Audio Reading Download Service (BARD). Patrons can log onto the
BARD<https://nlsbard.loc.gov/> website and download audio and braille
materials, then access them on devices such as digital book players
and smart phones.
Braille Ready Format (BRF) files can be read on devices that support
the format using refreshable braille. This gives patrons access to a
wide range of materials while encouraging braille literacy.

Canadian National Institute for the Blind
The Canadian National Institute for the Blind<https://cnib.ca/> (CNIB)
delivers programs and services to Canadian citizens who are blind so
they may enjoy independence and success. CNIB began by promoting
employment through workshops and manufacturing facilities.
The CNIB offers individuals who are blind three options for accessing
library services. Books, magazines, and newspapers are available in a
wide range of formats, including:
  *   Audio
  *   Braille
  *   Accessible electronic books

The Centre for Equitable Library Access<https://celalibrary.ca/>
(CELA) works with Canadian public libraries to provide qualifying
Canadian citizens with free access to materials in the formats listed
above. Patrons who are unable to read regular printed materials can
access books and other materials in English and French in either
physical form or digital form. They also offer a free subscription to
the U.S. service called BookShare<https://www.bookshare.org/cms/>,
which has an additional 500,000 digital books.
The National Network for Equitable Library Service <https://nnels.ca/>
(NNELS) offers more than 35,000 books in English and French, and is
owned and maintained by Canadian public libraries. This national
service provides these titles in digital formats so they are
accessible to all patrons. Patrons who read braille can either access
it as hard copy or in an electronic format using a refreshable braille
display.

Bookshare
Bookshare<https://www.bookshare.org/> is a U.S.-based service that
provides books in a wide range of formats to individuals who are
unable to read regular printed materials. Schools can use this service
to help students overcome reading barriers, and students can access
the service for free. Adults can purchase an annual subscription to
access Bookshare books.
Available formats include:
  *   Audio
  *   PDF
  *   Braille
Individuals can read books on a computer, smart phone, or other mobile
device using a refreshable braille display. Notes and bookmarks can be
added to customize the reading experience.
Bookshare memberships are for U.S. citizens and citizens in other
countries who qualify for the service.

Royal National Institute of Blind People
The Royal National Institute of Blind People
<https://www.rnib.org.uk/reading-services/books/rnib-reading-services-online-library>
(RNIB) provides services to individuals who are blind or visually
impaired They focus on enabling independence by providing accessible
information. Books are offered in these formats:
  *   Audio
  *   Braille
  *   Digital downloads
The RNIB makes Braille books available in hard copy, or patrons can
download books to a computer, smart phone, or other mobile device then
read them using a refreshable braille display.

National Braille Press
The National Braille Press<https://www.nbp.org/> (NBP) provides
individuals who are blind and visually impaired with programs,
technology, and materials that support braille literacy. Resources
they produce include:
  *   Books
  *   Textbooks
  *   Tests
  *   Children’s books
  *   Technology books
  *   Airline safety guides
NBP distributes materials for purchase both nationally and across the
globe. Materials are available in both hard copy and electronic
formats so they can be read using a refreshable braille display. They
also provide braille transcription services to support accessibility
and braille literacy.

Visit the Freedom Scientific Braille Training
page<https://www.freedomscientific.com/training/braille/> to learn
more about our braille products. Listen to the latest episode of our
Freedom Scientific training podcast for more information about the
importance of braille literacy. Visit our Training
Podcast<https://www.freedomscientific.com/training/podcast/> page to
learn how to access the podcast.
Have questions or feedback? Send an email to
training at vispero.com<mailto:training at vispero.com>.
https://blog.freedomscientific.com/how-digital-content-empowers-braille-literacy/

Maggie Stringer
Phone: (443) 750-0070
Email: ravensfan784 at gmail.com
Community Service Facebook Page
<https://www.facebook.com/CommunityServiceDivision/>
NFB Website <http://www.nfb.org>
NFB Ohio Website <http://www.nfbohio.org>
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