Instant access to an enormous library of accessible books, journals, newspapers, and magazines. A powerful and invaluable resource for people with print disabilities!
Community Review for Bookshare
My Take
Bookshare is an invaluable tool that provides countless marginalized students with accessible reading materials. Without amazing and free resources like Bookshare, these students may not have the opportunities to read and learn that they deserve. Having worked with Bookshare's customer support team, I am amazed at how many students, teachers, and adults with disabilities they reach and support on a regular basis - and with a very small team of dedicated people. Everyone I've met is dedicated to the mission of Bookshare, and without ulterior motives - their focus is on the product and in providing it to all in need, not on profit or image. The website and the ease of accessing books could use a makeover, but with a little training and practice, it's really not that difficult to manage. I can't recommend this resource enough.
How I Use It
As an Assistive Technology coordinator for a large urban school district, I have facilitated access to Bookshare for countless students, parents and teachers. Bookshare provides nearly instantaneous independence with reading for many students who otherwise struggle or are unable to read traditional books independently. Books can be assigned to students individually for classwork or homework, used as read-alouds (via text-to-speech) to small groups, or for leisure reading. We find that most students' motivation and engagement with reading increases the moment they start using Bookshare.