Textbooks in Alternative Formats
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.
Audio Textbooks
Learning Ally
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.Available Titles: 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.
For more information about Learning Ally, contact:
Learning Ally20 Roszel Road
Princeton, NJ 08540
Phone: (609) 452-0606 or (800)221-4792
Educational Tape Recording for the Blind
Educational Tape Recording for the Blind is a non-profit, volunteer organization that records and rents textbooks on tape. Their services are available to students of all ages, from elementary to Ph.D. level. There is a yearly membership fee.
Contact:
Educational Tape Recording for the Blind3915 West 103rd Street
Chicago, IL 60655
Phone: (773) 445-3533
American Printing House for the Blind
American 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.
Contact:
American Printing House for the Blind1839 Frankfort Avenue
Louisville, KY 40206
Phone: (502) 895-2405 or (800) 223-1839
Braille and Large-Print Textbooks
Resource Center, NYS School for the Blind
The 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 CenterNew York State School for the Blind
2A Richmond Avenue
Batavia, NY 14020-1499
Phone: (585) 343-5384
FAX: ( 585) 343-0652
Educational Vision Services (EVS)
EVS 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 Services400 First Avenue
New York, NY 10010
Phone: (917) 256-4259
FAX: (917) 256-4230
e-mail: devs@nycboe.net
American Printing House for the Blind
The 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.
Contact:
American Printing House for the Blind1839 Frankfort Avenue
P.O. Box 6085
Louisville, KY 40206
Phone: (800)223-1839 or (502)895-2405
Helen Keller Services for the Blind
Helen Keller Services provides braille and large-print textbooks. It serves Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Contact:
Helen Keller Services for the BlindHelen Keller Braille Library
1 Helen Keller Way
Hempstead, NY 11550
Phone: (516)485-1234, ext. 242
Library Reproduction Service
The 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 Service14214 S. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90061
Phone: (800)255-5002 (USA and Canada)
or 1 (310) 354-2610 (from elsewhere)
Online catalog: http://secure.lrs-largeprint.com/order/Pages/search.aspx
National Library Service
Directory of Producers of Accessible Reading Materials: Information from the National Library Service (NLS) on getting books and other materials in alternative formats.