Summer 2022 APH Virtual ExCEL Courses for K-12 Students

2022 Virtual ExCEL STEM Camp

Once again, the American Printing House for the Blind has some incredible summer opportunities for blind/low vision students! In addition to getting together with peers and enjoying top-notch instruction from talented educators, students who register in time will receive APH products related to their camp!

Please explore the opportunities listed below and sign up soon!

Note: In order to qualify for free APH materials, the student “must meet the definition of blindness in your state.”

Quick Reference Guide

Virtual ExCEL Problem Solving Pre-Camp (Grades K-7)

  • Dates: June 8 and June 10 Noon – 1 p.m. Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Virtual ExCEL Career Open House Pre-Camp (Grades 8-12)

  • Dates: June 8 and June 10 from 3 – 4 p.m. Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Virtual ExCEL Great STEM Campout for K-3rd Grade

  • Register deadline: June 2 (in order to ensure receiving free items related to the camp)
  • Dates: June 13-17 from Noon – 1 p.m. Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Virtual ExCEL Tending the Garden Camp for Symbolic Learners

  • Register deadline: June 2 (in order to ensure receiving free items related to the camp)
  • Dates: June 13-17 from 3 – 4 p.m. Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Virtual ExCEL STEM Camp on a Desert Island for 4-7 grades

  • Register deadline: July 15 (in order to ensure receiving free items related to the camp)
  • Dates: July 25-29 from 3 – 4 p.m. Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Virtual ExCEL Crime Scene Investigation Camp for 8-12 grades

  • Register deadline: July 15 (in order to ensure receiving free items related to the camp)
  • Dates: July 25-29 from Noon – 1 p.m. Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Virtual ExCEL Oreos and Abacii Camp for 5-8 year-olds

  • Register deadline: July 22 (in order to ensure receiving free items related to the camp)
  • Dates: August 1–5 from Noon – 1 p.m. Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Virtual ExCEL Oreos and Abacii Camp for 9-14 year-olds

  • Registration deadline: July 22 (in order to ensure receiving free items related to the camp)
  • Dates: August 1-5 from 3 – 4 p.m. Eastern Time (US and Canada)

El Campamento STEM de español virtual de ExCEL en una isla desierta

  • Fecha límite de inscripción: 22 de julio (para asegurarse de recibir artículos gratuitos relacionados con el campamento)
  • Fechas: del 8 al 12 de agosto de 15:00 a 16:00 Hora del este (EE. UU. y Canadá)

Full Descriptions

Virtual ExCEL Problem Solving Pre-Camp (Grades K-7)

Description

“The Virtual ExCEL Problem Solving Pre-Camp is for students with vison loss Kindergarten (K) to seventh (7) grade and it includes a live hour at 12:00 ET, June 8 and 10, Wednesday and Friday, and is free to all registrants. We will continue to record these sessions so all have the opportunity to learn. Also included are two at-home extension activities. Parents, please register your student for the camp that matches their needs. As parents, you know if they would be more appropriately placed with the age level identified. If you are unsure, we suggest reaching out to your teacher of students with visual impairments. And remember, each student must be registered separately and must meet the definition of blindness in your state.

In this pre-camp, campers will practice critical thinking skills. We will examine the questions we ask ourselves throughout the day. Throughout the day situations arise and we ask ourselves questions. Some questions are simple and straightforward, but other questions lead to more questions. In this class students will refine their questions in order to solve a mystery.”

Time in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Jun 8, 2022 Noon

Jun 10, 2022 Noon

Virtual ExCEL Career Open House Pre-Camp (Grades 8-12)

Description

“The Virtual ExCEL Career Open House Pre-Camp is for students with vison loss eighth (8) grade to seniors (12+) grade and it includes a live hour at 3:00 ET, June 8 and 10, Wednesday and Friday, and is free to all registrants. We will continue to record these sessions so all have the opportunity to learn. Also included are two at-home extension activities. Parents, please register your student for the camp that matches their needs. As parents, you know if they would be more appropriately placed with the age level identified. If you are unsure, we suggest reaching out to your teacher of students with visual impairments. And remember, each student must be registered separately and must meet the definition of blindness in your state.

In this pre-camp, campers will explore various STEM careers. These two days will help you consider the skills (academic and blindness skills) you need to meet the demands of the career, and to explore the pros and cons of these jobs, including other ways to prepare for your life after high school, and entering the workforce. The key to all of it? Your own knowledge, skills, and determination to do hard things.”

Time in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Jun 8, 2022 03:00 PM

Jun 10, 2022 03:00 PM

Virtual ExCEL Great STEM Campout for K-3rd Grade

Description

“The Virtual ExCEL Great STEM Campout is for students with vison loss grades kindergarten (K) to third (3) grade and include a live hour at 12:00 ET, June 13-17, Monday through Friday, and is free to all registrants. We will continue to record these sessions so all have the opportunity to learn. Also included are five at-home extension activities for the camp theme and with the camp supplies that will be sent to the student. Parents, please register your student for the camp that matches their needs. As parents, you know if they would be more appropriately placed with the age level identified. If you are unsure, we suggest reaching out to your teacher of students with visual impairments. And remember, each student must be registered separately and must meet the definition of blindness in your state.

Campers will explore the outdoors while learning about math and science. Whether they are figuring out what to pack or how to choose a camping location, campers will understand how geographic regions changes our camping needs, build decision making skills, and problem-solve differences.”

Register early!

“Grants are providing students from the United States of America an APH product that will be used during camp so we need registrations completed early! For students to receive items in time for camp, they must have registered for this week by June 2, 2022.

Those that register after that date are still welcome to attend; we would suggest working with your teacher of students with visual impairments to procure the product for use during camp as all items are available through Federal Quota.

To make sure we have the correct information for your student, you may be contacted via email to confirm information. We are excited to have your student join our Virtual ExCEL Great STEM Campout!”

Time in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

June 13, 2022 Noon – 1:00 PM

June 14, 2022 Noon – 1:00 PM

June 15, 2022 Noon – 1:00 PM

June 16, 2022 Noon – 1:00 PM

June 17, 2022 Noon – 1:00 PM

Virtual ExCEL Tending the Garden Camp for Symbolic Learners

Description

“The Virtual ExCEL Tending the Garden is for students with vison loss and are pre-symbolic learners. It includes a live hour at 3:00 ET, June 13-17, Monday through Friday, and is free to all registrants. We will continue to record these sessions so all have the opportunity to learn. Also included are five at-home extension activities for the camp theme and with the camp supplies that will be sent to the student. Parents, please register your student for the camp that matches their needs. As parents, you know if they would be more appropriately placed with the age level identified. If you are unsure, we suggest reaching out to your teacher of students with visual impairments. And remember, each student must be registered separately and must meet the definition of blindness in your state.

Students will tend a virtual garden while learning about area, perimeter, and pictographs. This exploration will include building mathematical vocabulary, understanding how food is grown, and creating a virtual salad. If your camper needs assistance, please have someone attend the camp with them so they may participate fully in the activities.”

Register early!

“Grants are providing students from the United States of America an APH product that will be used during camp so we need registrations completed early! For students to receive items in time for camp, they must have registered for this week by June 2, 2022.

Those that register after that date are still welcome to attend; we would suggest working with your teacher of students with visual impairments to procure the product for use during camp as all items are available through Federal Quota.

To make sure we have the correct information for your student, you may be contacted via email to confirm information. We are excited to have your student join our Virtual ExCEL Tending the Garden!”

Time in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

June 13, 2022 3:00 – 4:00 PM

June 14, 2022 3:00 – 4:00 PM

June 15, 2022 3:00 – 4:00 PM

June 16, 2022 3:00 – 4:00 PM

June 17, 2022 3:00 – 4:00 PM

Virtual ExCEL STEM Camp on a Desert Island for 4-7 grades

Description

“The Virtual ExCEL STEM Camp on a Desert Island is for students with vison loss grades fourth (4) to seventh (7) grade and include a live hour at 12:00 ET, July 25-29, Monday through Friday, and is free to all registrants. We will continue to record these sessions so all have the opportunity to learn. Also included are five at-home extension activities for the camp theme and with the camp supplies that will be sent to the student. Parents, please register your student for the camp that matches their needs. As parents, you know if they would be more appropriately placed with the age level identified. If you are unsure, we suggest reaching out to your teacher of students with visual impairments. And remember, each student must be registered separately and must meet the definition of blindness in your state.

Campers will survive on a desert island while learning about physical science and engineering. Whether they are figuring out how to build a waterproof container for a message to be sent in a bottle or how to construct an area to sleep that is dry, campers will gain cooperative learning skills, computational thinking, and develop scientific practices for planning and carrying out investigations.”

Register early!

“Grants are providing students from the United States of America an APH product that will be used during camp so we need registrations completed early! For students to receive items in time for camp, they must have registered for this week by July 15, 2022.

Those that register after that date are still welcome to attend; we would suggest working with your teacher of students with visual impairments to procure the product for use during camp as all items are available through Federal Quota.

To make sure we have the correct information for your student, you may be contacted via email to confirm information. We are excited to have your student join our Virtual ExCEL Great STEM Campout!”

Time in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

July 25, 2022 3:00 – 4:00 PM

July 26, 2022 3:00 – 4:00 PM

July 27, 2022 3:00 – 4:00 PM

July 28, 2022 3:00 – 4:00 PM

July 29, 2022 3:00 – 4:00 PM

Virtual ExCEL Crime Scene Investigation Camp for 8-12 grades

Description

“The Virtual ExCEL Crime Scene Investigation Camp is for students with vison loss grades eighth (8) to twelfth (12) grade and include a live hour at 3:00 ET, July 25-29, Monday through Friday, and is free to all registrants. We will continue to record these sessions so all have the opportunity to learn. Also included are five at-home extension activities for the camp theme and with the camp supplies that will be sent to the student. Parents, please register your student for the camp that matches their needs. As parents, you know if they would be more appropriately placed with the age level identified. If you are unsure, we suggest reaching out to your teacher of students with visual impairments. And remember, each student must be registered separately and must meet the definition of blindness in your state.

Campers will investigate a buried skeleton while learning about science, criminal justice, law and forensics. Whether they are figuring out how anthropologists determine age of skeletal remains or how height is determined from the long bones of a skeleton, campers will learn the steps of crime scene investigation, develop research skills, and build their scientific practices for planning and carrying out investigations.”

Register early!

“Grants are providing students from the United States of America an APH product that will be used during camp so we need registrations completed early! For students to receive items in time for camp, they must have registered for this week by July 15, 2022.

Those that register after that date are still welcome to attend; we would suggest working with your teacher of students with visual impairments to procure the product for use during camp as all items are available through Federal Quota.

To make sure we have the correct information for your student, you may be contacted via email to confirm information. We are excited to have your student join our Virtual ExCEL CSI Camp!”

Time in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

July 25, 2022 Noon – 1:00 PM

July 26, 2022 Noon – 1:00 PM

July 27, 2022 Noon – 1:00 PM

July 28, 2022 Noon – 1:00 PM

Juyl 29, 2022 Noon – 1:00 PM

Virtual ExCEL Oreos and Abacii Camp for 5-8 year-olds

Description

“The Virtual ExCEL Oreos and Abacii Camp is for students with vison loss ages five (5) to eight (8) years old and include a live hour at 12:00 ET, August 1-5, Monday through Friday, and is free to all registrants. We will continue to record these sessions so all have the opportunity to learn. Also included are five at-home extension activities for the camp theme and with the camp supplies that will be sent to the student. Parents, please register your student for the camp that matches their needs. As parents, you know if they would be more appropriately placed with the age level identified. If you are unsure, we suggest reaching out to your teacher of students with visual impairments. And remember, each student must be registered separately and must meet the definition of blindness in your state.

Campers will investigate spatial relations, measurements and basic algebra. Whether they are determining how to construct the tallest Oreo Cookie tower, calculating one- and two-digit multiple numbers fast and accurately using an abacus, or engineering a popsicle stick river dam, campers will build mental images of engineering obstacles, build their scientific practices of panning and carrying out investigations, and perform speedy arithmetic.”

Register early!

“Grants are providing students from the United States of America an APH product that will be used during camp so we need registrations completed early! For students to receive items in time for camp, they must have registered for this week by July 22, 2022.

Those that register after that date are still welcome to attend; we would suggest working with your teacher of students with visual impairments to procure the product for use during camp as all items are available through Federal Quota.

To make sure we have the correct information for your student, you may be contacted via email to confirm information. We are excited to have your student join our Virtual ExCEL Oreos and Abacii Camp!”

Time in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

August 1, 2022 Noon – 1:00 PM

August 2, 2022 Noon – 1:00 PM

August 3, 2022 Noon – 1:00 PM

August 4, 2022 Noon – 1:00 PM

August 5, 2022 Noon – 1:00 PM

Virtual ExCEL Oreos and Abacii Camp for 9-14 year-olds

Description

“The Virtual ExCEL Oreos and Abacii Camp is for students with vison loss ages nine (9) to fourteen (14) years old and include a live hour at 3:00 ET, August 1-5, Monday through Friday, and is free to all registrants. We will continue to record these sessions so all have the opportunity to learn. Also included are five at-home extension activities for the camp theme and with the camp supplies that will be sent to the student. Parents, please register your student for the camp that matches their needs. As parents, you know if they would be more appropriately placed with the age level identified. If you are unsure, we suggest reaching out to your teacher of students with visual impairments. And remember, each student must be registered separately and must meet the definition of blindness in your state.

Campers will investigate spatial relations, measurements and basic algebra. Whether they are determining how to construct the tallest Oreo Cookie tower, calculating one- and two-digit multiple numbers fast and accurately using an abacus, or engineering a popsicle stick river dam, campers will build mental images of engineering obstacles, build their scientific practices of panning and carrying out investigations, and perform speedy arithmetic.”

Register early!

“Grants are providing students from the United States of America an APH product that will be used during camp so we need registrations completed early! For students to receive items in time for camp, they must have registered for this week by July 22, 2022.

Those that register after that date are still welcome to attend; we would suggest working with your teacher of students with visual impairments to procure the product for use during camp as all items are available through Federal Quota.

To make sure we have the correct information for your student, you may be contacted via email to confirm information. We are excited to have your student join our Virtual ExCEL Oreos and Abacii Camp!”

Time in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

August 1, 2022 3:00 – 4:00 PM

August 2, 2022 3:00 – 4:00 PM

August 3, 2022 3:00 – 4:00 PM

August 4, 2022 3:00 – 4:00 PM

August 5, 2022 3:00 – 4:00 PM

El Campamento STEM de español virtual de ExCEL en una isla desierta

Descripción

El Campamento STEM de español virtual de ExCEL en una isla desierta es para estudiantes con pérdida de visión y hablantes primarios de español. Incluye una hora en vivo a las 3:00 ET, de lunes a viernes, y es gratis para todos los inscritos. Continuaremos grabando estas sesiones para que todos tengan la oportunidad de aprender. También se incluyen cinco actividades de extensión en el hogar para el tema del campamento y con los útiles del campamento que se enviarán al estudiante. Padres, inscriban a su estudiante en el campamento que se ajuste a sus necesidades. Como padres, saben si sería más apropiado colocarlos con el nivel de edad identificado. Si no está seguro, le sugerimos que se comunique con su maestro de estudiantes con discapacidades visuales. Y recuerde, cada estudiante debe registrarse por separado y debe cumplir con la definición de ceguera en su estado.

Los campistas sobrevivirán en una isla desierta mientras aprenden sobre ciencias físicas e ingeniería. Ya sea que estén averiguando cómo construir un recipiente a prueba de agua para enviar un mensaje en una botella o cómo construir un área seca para dormir, los campistas obtendrán habilidades de aprendizaje cooperativo, pensamiento computacional y desarrollarán prácticas científicas para planificar y llevar a cabo investigaciones.

¡Regístrese temprano!

Las subvenciones están proporcionando a los estudiantes de los Estados Unidos de América un producto APH que se utilizará durante el campamento, ¡así que necesitamos que se completen las inscripciones con anticipación! Para que los estudiantes reciban artículos a tiempo para el campamento, deben haberse registrado para esta semana antes del 22 de julio de 2022. Aquellos que se registren después de esa fecha aún pueden asistir; sugerimos trabajar con su maestro de estudiantes con discapacidades visuales para adquirir el producto para usar durante el campamento, ya que todos los artículos están disponibles a través de Federal Quota.

Hora en Hora del Este (EE. UU. y Canadá)

Agosto 8, 2022 15:00

Agosto 9, 2022 15:00

Agosto 10, 2022 15:00

Agosto 11, 2022 15:00 Agosto 12, 2022 15:0

Free and Low-cost Braille Books

Free hard-copy braille books

Temple Beth El Braille Book Bindery

Individuals may choose from many Braille books in either contracted or uncontracted Braille. The volunteers of Temple Beth El Sisterhood provide these books at no cost, but they welcome donations of Braille paper, Braille binding supplies, and money to support this mission.

Seedlings’ Book Angel Program for Children with Vision Loss

Through this program, blind/low vision U.S. children ages birth through 21 may order up to FIVE (5) free braille books per year.

Braille Institute

Special Collection

Blind/low vision children in the U.S. and Canada may order up to 2 Dots for Tots® kits two times per year (targeted at ages 2-5, but open to all—might be great books to read to younger family members, neighbors, etc.).

Digital Dots

Books available for download in BRF (Braille Ready Format).

Free Braille Books Program from the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults (AAF)

Hard copy braille books. 2023 books include:

  • March: Her Epic Adventure: 25 Women Who Inspire a Life Less Ordinary By Julia De Laurentis Johnston
  • April: Clubhouse Mysteries #3: Shadows of Caesar’s Creek By Sharon M. Draper
  • May: Clubhouse Mysteries #4: The Space Mission Adventure By Sharon M. Draper
  • June: My Name is Maria Isabel By Alma Flor Ada
  • July: Clubhouse Mysteries #5: The Backyard Animal Show By Sharon M. Draper
  • August: Clubhouse Mysteries #6: Stars and Sparks On Stage By Sharon M. Draper
  • September: Bravo!: Poems About Amazing Hispanics By Margarita Engle
  • October: The Used-To-Be Best Friend (Jo Jo Makoons #1) By Dawn Quigley
  • November: Fancy Pants (Jo Jo Makoons #2) By Dawn Quigley
  • December: We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices By Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson

Xavier Society for the Blind

The Xavier Society for the Blind offers hundreds of texts on religious topics (Catholics) at no charge to patrons. You may become a patron by calling (212) 473-7800 to register for their services. The website notes: “All of our materials are provided at no cost, and there is no fee to sign up. We look forward to hearing from you!”

Low-cost braille books

BRL—Beulah Reimer Legacy

Very reasonably priced, high-quality Braille-print picture books. Great for learning braille as a teen with books you grew up loving and for braille readers taking care of younger children.

Seedlings Braille Books (for purchase)

Seedlings has a wide variety of braille books for purchase (after you get your three free Angel books—see above). Here are the categories of Seedlings books:

  • Print-Braille-and-Picture Books in Uncontracted Braille, in UEB
  • Print-Braille-and-Picture Books in Contracted Braille, in UEB
  • Print-and-Braille Books in Uncontracted Braille, in UEB
  • Print-and-Braille Books in Contracted Braille, in UEB
  • Contracted Braille in UEB
  • Shorter Fiction in Contracted Braille, in EBAE
  • Longer Fiction in Contracted Braille, in EBAE
  • Poetry in Contracted Braille, in EBAE
  • Nonfiction & Biographies in Contracted Braille, in EBAE

National Braille Press (NBP)

NBP has a variety of titles including some not available anywhere else, including technology guides for blind/low vision individuals, cookbooks, recreational reading, books in Spanish and English, and more.

Additionally, NBP’s Children’s Braille Book Club offers a great way to build a Braille book library. For an annual subscription of $120, NBP will send one print/Braille book per month. When my child began elementary school, I convinced the school library to get a subscription. It was a great opportunity to get new books into the library, and the print readers loved those books too (great way to normalize and socialize braille use)!

Read How You Want

Read How You Want is a commercial publisher of accessible books, and available formats include Braille and DAISY digital books. While this publisher is located in Australia, prices are in U.S. dollars, and the variety of titles includes many that are not common in the U.S.

Other sources for braille books

American Printing House for the Blind (APH)

While APH books are not necessarily low in price, schools have funds that can only be spent at APH. In addition to textbooks and early learning books, APH offers books with tactile graphics that can be helpful in science and other classes.

The Braille Bookstore

The Braille Bookstore offers many titles in hard copy braille for all ages, including adults.

Braille Library & Transcribing Services, Inc.

This group offers braille in three ways:

  1. Lending library with more than 2,000 titles for children and adults. “There is no charge for borrowing our books; just tell us your name and contact information and we’ll get you started.”
  2. Purchasing library books.
  3. Transcribing books upon request (fee for this service).

Categories include:

  • Adult Fiction
  • Adult Non-Fiction
  • Children’s
  • Cookbooks
  • Crafts
  • Print/Braille
  • Textbooks

Louis Database of Accessible Materials

“The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) maintains and promotes the Louis Database of Accessible Materials, named in honor of Louis Braille. Louis contains information on accessible materials produced by over 75 organizations throughout the United States and Canada. These materials include educational materials in braille, large print, audio, and electronic file format.

Our aim is to provide maximum visibility to accessible educational materials and to meet that goal, the Louis search also includes information from these national repositories.”

Bookshare – Embossing Bookshare Books

While Bookshare does not provide hard copy books, it does provide the option to download books in BRF (braille-ready file) format. Note: you must be a member of Bookshare to download these files. Then, you may either emboss the books yourself or find another entity (teacher, agency, individual) to perform the embossing.

Free, Accessible Technology Tools

Accessible software

Meeting; Screen sharing

Zoom meetings

Word processing, spreadsheets, etc.

Microsoft Office online

Accessible Books

Newspapers and Magazines

  • NFB Newsline (a free audio news service for anyone who is blind, low-vision, deafblind, or otherwise print-disabled that offers access to more than 500 publications, emergency weather alerts, job listings, and more, provided by the National Federation of the Blind)
  • Braille Monitor (the flagship publication of the National Federation of the Blind covering the events and activities of the NFB, addressing the issues we face as blind people, and highlighting NFB members)
  • Future Reflections (a quarterly magazine for parents and teachers of blind children that offers resources and information based on the National Federation of the Blind’s positive philosophy of blindness):

Documentaries and Documentary Series Now Available for Free on Netflix’s U.S. YouTube Channel

Netflix has offered free access to high-quality documentaries to teachers for years. Now that schools are closed, Netflix has opened access to all.

Most of these videos have educational resources prepared for them, from short educational guides to full website. Links to these educational resources are embedded in the bracketed text following the title.

Regarding accessibility, at least some of these videos have closed captioning. Unfortunately, I was not able to access audio description within YouTube, and my search for how to do so led me to articles claiming that YouTube simply does not support audio description, even when the original video has it. If anyone does figure out how to make audio description work on posted YouTube videos, please let me know ASAP.

These videos are also available through a paid Netflix subscription. All of the documentaries except “Period. End of Sentence.” have English audio description available; “Period. End of Sentence.” Offers audio description, but only in the Hindi language. Each of the series has audio described episodes (I didn’t check every episode, but I’m guessing the if one is audio-described, they all are.)

You may access all of these free documentaries at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvahqwMqN4M0GRkZY8WkLZMb6Z-W7qbLA

Here is a list of videos available:

Sign Up for Bookshare

Bookshare is a service that provides accessible books to qualifying individuals (with one or more of the following conditions: Visual impairment, including blindness, Learning disability that affects reading, Other physical disability). In order to get Bookshare, an individual must be certified as having a qualifying disability.

Bookshare is free for K-12, post-secondary, and a rehabilitation program students in the U.S. Other qualifying individuals must pay a $50 yearly fee (unless they have another organization providing free Bookshare access).

If your child qualifies for a Bookshare account but does not have one, there is no reason to wait any longer. Below, you will find all the information you need to complete an online application for a free Bookshare account for your qualifying child. You will need a Competent Authority in order to get a free Bookshare account (for blind/low vision individuals Bookshare states that “Competent authorities include school and district personnel such as teachers of the visually impaired or special education teachers; medical professionals such as ophthalmologists, optometrists, family doctors; other authorities such as AT specialists, rehabilitation counselors, etc.”).

  1. Go to Bookshare and begin the application process. You will find an outline of all the questions that will be asked in this blog post: “How to Sign Up for a Bookshare Account Online
  2. Download “Individual_Proof_of_Disability.”
  3. Complete “Step 1” of the Individual_Proof_of_Disability (at the top of page two).
  4. Save “Individual_Proof_of_Disability” as a Word document.
  5. Ask a “Competent Authority” to complete the “Individual_Proof_of_Disability” as a PDF and return it to you.
  6. You may then upload that document to Bookshare.

How to Sign Up for a Bookshare Account

  1. Go to Bookshare’s Member Sign-up page
  2. If yes wish, you may watch Bookshare’s Video Tutorial: How to sign up as an Individual Member
  3. Below, you will find an outline

Member Qualification (first page)

I confirm that this account is for a person with a Print Disability, and will be able to provide Proof of Disability from a competent authority. 

Yes

No

Student Status

Is this person a U.S. student?  

Yes

No

I have an Activation ID    Activation ID

School Information

Look up my school

This student is home schooled

Student Information (second page)

Fields marked with * are required. Please enter information about the person who will be using Bookshare. If that person is under the age of 18, only the persons parent or legal guardian may accept the terms of the Bookshare Agreement.

School

Student First Name *

Student Last Name *

Country *

Address line 1 *

Address line 2

City *

State/Province *

Zip or Postal Code *

Phone

Birth Date (mm/dd/yyyy) *

Grade Level *Plans

If this person has neither of the following plans, please leave the checkboxes blank.

Current IEP issued by a public education agency

Current 504 Plan

Parent/Guardian Information

Parent/Guardian First Name *

Parent/Guardian Last Name *

Parent/Guardian Email

Parent/Guardian Phone

Address is the same as member’s address

Yes

No

Login Information

Your username for logging into Bookshare will be the email address you enter below. If you forget your password, an email will be sent to this address to reset it.

Member Email (Username)  *

Confirm Email *

Password (8-32 letters or numbers, at least 1 letter and at least 1 number)  *

Confirm password *

Additional Information

How did you hear about Bookshare?

Proof of Disability (third page)

If you are a member of another organization serving people with print disabilities (NLS or Learning Ally), that may be used for Bookshare Proof of Disability (POD). Otherwise, you will need to provide a POD form signed by a competent authority such as a doctor or disability specialist.

How do you want to submit your proof of disability?
POD Form

[Link to Download POD Form

You will need to provide a Proof of Disability (POD) form signed by a competent authority such as a doctor or disability specialist. Learn More

Take this form to your competent authority for their signature, then upload it to your Bookshare account.]

NLS Membership ?

[NLS Membership POD

NLS Member Name *

Address *

City *

State *

Zip Code *

Email Address *

NLS Regional Provider *

Don’t know your NLS provider? Click here for a list (of NLS providers).

I certify that I receive services from the NLS network of cooperating libraries (National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped) and give permission to Bookshare to verify this with them.

I understand that this process may take 3-5 business days and that I will be contacted about my status when Bookshare has received a response from NLS.]

Learning Ally Membership ?

[Learning Ally POD

Full Name *

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Email Address *

Learning Ally Member ID

If you don’t know your Member ID, enter your email address.

I certify that I receive services from Learning Ally and give permission to Bookshare to verify this with them.

I understand that this process may take 3-5 business days and that I will be contacted about my status when Bookshare has received a response from Learning Ally.]

Skip this step, I’ll provide my proof of disability later

Promo Code Information (fourth page)

To sign up for a free account through a partnership or funding organization (such as a library), Bookshare will need to provide the organization with your name and information.

Yes, I agree

Promo Code

If you do not wish to have your information shared with the partner organization you will be responsible for the cost of your subscription ($50.00).

No, I am a U.S. Student, or I will pay for my own membership

Applicant’s Digital Signature

Listed below are some of the most important aspects of the Bookshare Individual Membership Agreement. By accepting the agreement, you are agreeing to the complete Terms and Conditions of this agreement.

The Accessible Media is only for use by the person with a bona fide print disability.

I acknowledge that Accessible Media cannot be shared with other people.

There are consequences for copyright violations, including termination of this account.

 I acknowledge that I am digitally signing the complete Terms and Conditions of this agreement.

 I acknowledge that I am the parent or legal guardian for this person.

Name

Date  

[Create account button]

Free Sources of Accessible Online Lessons and Lesson Ideas

BEAR Blog: https://bearadvocacy.com/

BEAR YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGNmE6rIbNylg1qIN4FUsXw

Distance Education Resources from the National Federation of the Blind (NFB): https://www.nfb.org/resources/distance-education-resources

Virtual ExCEL Academy: https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/resources/virtual-learning-academy

National Homework Hotline for Blind/Visually Impaired Students (NHH-BVI): https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/resources/national-homework-hotline-blindvisually-impaired-students-nhh-bvi?fbclid=IwAR1_inqhXwdi4zXe0MfVwyFDCbxze7Gn7bt5oGlopkpI_9jLaCvsDbPPOAU

Free Braille Books

Braille Reading Pals program (for blind/low vision children from birth through seven years old), part of the Early Childhood Initiative program offered by the National Federation of the Blind (NFB)

Free Braille Books Program from the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults (AAF)

Temple Beth El Braille Braille Bindery—Individuals may choose from many Braille books in either contracted or uncontracted Braille. The volunteers of Temple Beth El Sisterhood provide these books at no cost, but they welcome donations of Braille paper, Braille binding supplies, and money to support this mission.

Seedlings Braille Books for Children’s 2021 Book Angel Program for V-I Children  

Braille Institute Special Collection

NFB Kernel Books (Stories by and about blind individuals, edited and distributed by the National Federation of the Blind)

ShareBraille—an online resource provided by the American Action Fund (AAF) to connect with others who have Braille books to give away. Search the site which has thousands of books listed, and request a book. The current owner will then send it to you via “Free Matter” through the U.S. Post Office.

National Library Service (braille, enlarged print, and audiobooks on loan; free delivery and return)