RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) and Benetech have announced the launch of RNIB Bookshare, an online service which delivers accessible materials to schools and colleges in the UK.
RNIB Bookshare provides curriculum materials for blind or partially sighted, dyslexic or otherwise print disabled students. It offers an independent learning experience while enabling learners to read the same books at the same time as their classmates.
The new platform replaces Load2Learn, a similar service run by RNIB since 2012, and will offer an increased number of titles as well as new features such as reading apps and reading lists. It will be available from 30 March 2016.
Neil Heslop, Managing Director, RNIB Solutions, said: “We are pleased to be working with Benetech. This partnership offers the potential to reach every student in the UK that struggles with standard print. It is so important that learners are able to access the books and textbooks they need when they need them.”
Brad Turner, Vice President of Global Literacy at Benetech, said: “We recognise the importance of providing accessible materials to students, at the same time as their peers. Education plays a momentous role in supporting inclusivity and independence for students, plus providing future employment opportunities, and we want to ensure that every child with a print disability in the UK has access to educational print materials.
“Working with RNIB, we believe we can make a real difference to students who struggle with standard print, and help them fulfil their academic potential.”
For more information about RNIB Bookshare please visit www.load2learn.org or call 0300 303 8313.
