The Accesstext Network joins forces with Dolphin.
Delivering accessible textbooks to students in the US.
13th Jul, 2011
College students with disabilities now have an additional support on obtaining college textbooks in accessible formats through a joint partnership between Dolphin Computer Access and the AccessText Network.
A large number of college students with disabilities such as blindness, impaired vision, physical limitation and learning disabilities are prevented from being able to access a hard-copy textbook like other students. In most cases they need an electronic or Braille copy of the textbook which must be specially formatted for adaptive computer reading software.
"This software helps students navigate the text and provide descriptions of images. Without access to modified textbooks, students with disabilities do not have much of a chance of retaining or graduating from postsecondary settings." said Christopher Lee, Ph.D., Director of AccessText Network (external link).
A new partnership between AccessText Network and Dolphin Computer Access supports the essential textbook conversion needs for colleges by ensuring equal access to specially modified textbooks for students with print-related disabilities. This partnership teams together the reach of AccessText Network, a nation-wide organization that facilitates the delivery of electronic publisher textbooks to college disability service offices, with Dolphin Computer Access' tools and expertise for the creation and distribution of alternative media formats. Dolphin Computer Access is one of the largest companies in the computer access industry, with over 60 employees in offices in the USA, UK, Sweden, Norway and dealers in over 30 countries worldwide. Dolphin offers a complete range of software solutions for students with disabilities.
Lee continues, "Many college students with print-related disabilities have a difficult time receiving accessible textbooks in a timely manner, placing a barrier in the student’s academic path."
Over the next year The AccessText Network will expand their library of specialized textbooks in the DAISY format, a digital talking book format for people who wish to hear—and navigate—written material presented in an audible format. This joint venture will also support over 1,000 college and universities staff with free training on DAISY file formats.
"The Access Text Network library will support other national organizations which share a similar mission of supporting students with disabilities. The more groups in support of this cause the better for students." Lee says.
