The Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL) collection is similar to that of a public library and includes fiction and non-fiction for all ages. Our collection includes many books that could be used for literature classes, book reports, research assignments, and recreational reading, but TBBL does not have textbooks. Sources for textbooks in alternative formats - audio, braille and large print - are listed below.
Learning Ally (formerly Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, or RFB&D), is the largest source of recorded textbooks in the United States. Learning Ally serves students at many levels, from 5th grade up through college and graduate school, as well as adults who use educational books in pursuit of their interests or occupations. Learning Ally's audiobooks can be played on a variety of devices. There are over 80,000 titles in Learning Ally's online catalog
, and any title not available can be recorded on request. The books are complete, including oral descriptions of all visually presented information.
Registration: Registration with Learning Ally, including verification of disability, is a prerequisite for service. See Individual and Institutional Memberships
for information about registration and fees.
Contact:
Learning AllyAmerican Printing House for the Blind sells recorded textbooks. They also sell braille and large print texts, as well as other educational products for visually-impaired students.
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American Printing House for the BlindThe Resource Center of the New York State School for the Blind provides braille and large-print textbooks; their collection also includes some literature. They serve students with visual impairments in upstate New York and Long Island schools only.
Contact:
Resource CenterEVS serves blind and visually impaired
students age 5 to 21 who live in New York City. It is an organization
within the New York City Dept. of Education, District 75 Citywide
programs. EVS programs provide specialized services, including
textbooks, for blind or visually impaired students. Teachers should
consult the Educational Vision Services website for complete information.
Contact:
Educational Vision ServicesThe American Printing House for the Blind supplies braille and large-print textbooks (elementary through high school) to meet the needs of both mainstreamed students and students attending residential schools for the blind. They also sell some recorded books, as well as other educational products for visually impaired students.
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American Printing House for the BlindHelen Keller Services provides braille and large-print textbooks. It serves Nassau and Suffolk counties.
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Helen Keller Services for the BlindThe Library Reproduction Service sells reproduced textbooks and instructional materials, as well as reference works and fiction, in large print. They provide materials for grades K-12, postsecondary education, high school equivalency test preparation, adult basic education, literacy programs, and English as a second language. There is a large-print reproduction service for titles not listed in their catalog.
Contact:
Library Reproduction Service
Directory of Producers of Accessible Reading Materials: Information from the National Library Service (NLS) on getting books and other materials in alternative formats.