Can someone who is blind or visually impaired still read books? Absolutely! With the availability of a full range of audio books, anyone who is visually impaired now has accessible means to support their higher education interests. According to a UNESCO report, one in ten children in the world has a physical or mental disability which limits their ability to utilize standard education and learning methods. However, learning and education are the basic rights of all children and they can take advantage of alternative methods of accessible learning. Audio books can help a child not only gain knowledge but can also boost their self-confidence and independence.
Audio books for those who are visually impaired help people with vision loss or low vision by enriching their knowledge and providing information on different subjects through the means of a book that is in the audible format.
School students use Braille text books for their school-based curriculum, but audio books can be used to supplement higher education and professional courses.
Audio books are usually available in multiple formats – tape cartridge, CD, DVD, or can be downloaded online. They are portable and available at reasonable prices, and in some cases can be free of charge to those who are visually impaired. Audio books can be replayed many times, making them handy and easy for notetaking. No doubt, audio books have become immensely popular with those who are blind or visually impaired.
www.brailleinstitute.org 1-800-BRAILLE (272-4553)
