kestrell | Entries tagged with accessible books

For your information

from the Library of Congress.

New audio and braille magazines

Two new audio magazines have been added to the NLS collection.

• Title: Harvard Women’s Health Watch
Frequency: Monthly
Description: Harvard Women’s Health Watch offers timely information in the new age of women’s health and medicine. Includes new prevention strategies, new diagnostic techniques, new medications, and treatments.

• Title: Psychology Today
Frequency: Bi-monthly
Description: Psychology Today is an American general-interest psychology magazine. A variety of psychological perspectives and approaches are represented in the magazine’s analyses.

In addition, NLS recently added one new NLS-produced braille magazine:
• Title: Guideposts
Frequency: Monthly
Description: Guideposts shares inspirational stories.

Availability: hardcopy braille and download from BARD

The BARD Support Team
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From the September-October Talking Book Topics.

NLS is working to develop an improved BARD Mobile app for the Kindle Fire and seeks patron volunteers to help test and provide feedback on experimental features and interfaces. All types of patrons are eligible, including low-vision users, multi-disabled users, digital braille readers, and VoiceView users.

Participating in beta testing requires no special technical expertise, only access to a Kindle Fire and familiarity with basic operation of the device. Supported Kindle Fire tablet device models include:
• Fire 7 (2019 – KFMUWI, 2022 – KFQUWI),
• Fire HD 8 (2018 – KFKAWI, 2020 – KFONWI)
• Fire HD 10 (2019 – KFMAWI, 2021 – KFTRWI)
• Fire HD 10 Plus (2021 – KFTRPWI)

Participants will be required to email feedback regularly to NLS. For more information, please contact Julia Kim (juliakim@loc.gov)

This article provides a how to for using an app called WebCopy
How to Download an Entire Website for Offline Reading
https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-do-i-download-an-entire-website-for-offline-reading/

Celebrate Harry's birthday by saying "Alexa, read Harry Potter, Book One."

Other nifty things to ask Alexa:

"Alexa, play ocean sounds."

"Alexa, when is high tide today?"

"Alexa, recommend a science podcast."

"Alexa, speak Klingon."

"Alexa, let's chat."
(Chat with 1 of the 10 teams competing in the Alexa Prize Socialbot Grand Challenge, Amazon’s global university competition to advance conversational AI.)

I was linking my Bookshare account to the Alexa skill through the Alexa app on my iPhone, and VoiceOver read out the invocation and Alexa immediately did her bidding. This never happened before I gave VoiceOver the British accent.

I'm getting really excited about this virtual conference: it's entirely focused on state of the art technologies for people with visual impairments, and that includes accessibility, AI, services, and hardware.
https://sighttechglobal.com/speakers/?mc_cid=94b99c85d0&mc_eid=37459e4dd2

Description
Voice Dream and Bookshare are excited to share how you can seamlessly deliver free Bookshare books straight to your students’ devices. Participants will learn about Bookshare, the free online ebook library, and how to use the Voice Dream app for iOS and Android devices to read Bookshare books.
Time
Sep 16, 2020 10:00 AM in Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Register at
https://benetech.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_soOQqrK3TReH0l0D5Dgelw

Through search superskills and the use of my accessible tape measure, I found mini-bookcases which fit under the eaves of the aerye, and I thought I had gone about as far as I could go with that, but it turns out that there are book stands and book racks which are small enough to perch on top of the bookcases.

I got this spiffy adjustable wooden one
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UD6DA30/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
just this morning. It cost $10, and it came out of the packing already to go, just unfold the ends and adjust the length. It's also highly tactile, with vines carved all over it (I love vines).

Not unrelated to my ongoing book storage problem, it's
science fiction and fantasy week on GoodReads
https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/1890?ref=sffweek2020_eb

While GoodReads could really use an accessibility makeover (seriously guys, not even using headings?), I do enjoy it for a number of reasons and first among those reasons is all the lists, such as this one I found recently:
2020 books by Native authors and authors of color
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/132826.2020_Books_by_Native_Authors_Authors_of_Colour

Another great feature is that, if you check a book that isn't out yet as "Want to read," you get an alert the day it comes out. As I used to keep a list for this very reason, that's one less list I need to keep track of.

Occasionally, I even post reviews, and I always get a little buzz when someone likes one of my reviews. Oh, and when you look up a book, you can see the available formats. Now that NLS is using a lot of commercial audiobooks, especially for sf and fantasy, you can find reviews mentioning the narrator. The audiobooks for Rebecca Roanhor's duology, _Trail of Lightning_ and _Storm of Locusts_, for instance, was amazing, and pronounced all the Dine (pronounced di-NAY, the Navajo language, and the name by which the Navajo refer to themselves) words smoothly, which is the main reason I chose the audiobook.

Current Location: aerye

So we missed Readercon this year
I organized a virtual Readercon with some friends so we could discuss what books we had been reading lately. Here's the list, with some additional comments by me. Note: ssorry I only began mentioning Bookshare/NLS availability starting around halfway through the list.

A Song for a New Day by Pinsker, Sarah
Available on Bookshare.org, and on NLS as an audiobook

Fritz Lieber "Coming Attraction", Our Lady of Darkness
Story about a man who gets caught up with occultists in San Francisco? and has a scene which explains why we no longer sleep with piles of books in our beds.
Available on Bookshare.org (Kes recommends geting the ebook which also includes "conjure Wife"), also available on NLS as an audiobook

Podcast "Our Opinions are Correct"

Audiobook Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi Audiobook

Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James

Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
"dashing geneticist vampire" [it says so on the book jacket]
Enthusiastically panned by Kestrell, who had to review it when it first came out

The Magnus Archives
Enthusiastically recommended by three of us. The narrator has a *great* voice. This is like the old-school M. R. James/Algernon Blackwood kind of horror, with no violence toward women and only a few passing references to sex. Kes loves the evil books.
All sorts of ways to listen, including asking Alexa to play it for you, or listen to it online at
http://rustyquill.com/the-magnus-archives/

Does the dog die.com
doesthedogdie.com
Because we all hate stories where the dog dies.

Darcie Little Badger
Along with Rebecca Roanhorse, Little Badger writes great speculative fiction that integrates Native American myth and culture. Highly recommended by Kes.
You can read both of the following short stories on Darcy Little Badger's short fiction page at
http://darcielittlebadger.com/published-fiction/

"Skinwalker, Fast Talker" Coyote story in _No Shit, There I Was_ (available on Bookshare.org)
"Owl versus the Neighborhood Watch"
The latter short story is also available in _Mythic Journeys_ edited by Paula Guran (available on Bookshare.org and NLS as an audiobook)
_Mythic Journeys: Retold Myths and Legends_ anthology, ed. Paula Guran (available on NLS)
Recommended by Kes, who also mentioned the following stories:

"How to Survive an Epic Journey" - the tale of the Argonauts told by Atalanta, by Tansy Rayner Roberts
and
"A Wolf in Iceland is the Child of a Lie" - a woman meets one of Loki's children, by Sonya Taaffe
You can read this story online at
http://www.lightspeedmagazine.com/fiction/a-wolf-in-iceland-is-the-child-of-a-lie/

Rebecca Roanhorse
This is Kes's favorite new (to her) author: she recommends a duology:
_Trail of Lightning_ and _Storm of Locusts_, and the commercial audiobook versions are wonderful (available on NLS, and ebook versions are on Bookshare.org)
Check out her GoodReads page
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15862877.Rebecca_Roanhorse
for a list of her books, including her upcoming _Black Sun_, and a link to Levar Burton reading one of her stories.
( many, many more books mentioned below the cut )

Kes: I'm not sure if one can join thse virtual Zoom and phone meetings if one is not already registed for the convention, but I'm posting the info anyway, because Newsline is a great service which allows visually impaired readers to access national and local newspapers, along with many magazines and news updates. Learn about the many ways you can receive it, such as through the Internet, phone (smart or old-school), Alexa, or Victor Stream.

Do you miss reading the news? Are you interested in searching customized job listings, weather alerts, and TV listings or would you like to save money with our retail ads from Target and Walmart?
? Learn how with NFB-NEWSLINE, the free electronic news and information system. Join us on Zoom during the National Federation of the Blind 2020 National Convention.
Stop by the virtual NFB-NEWSLINE exhibit table any time to ask questions or get signed up. Check the convention agenda for Exhibit Hall hours.
( meeting details below cut )

The meeting is happening Tuesday, May 26, but questions should be sent in ahead of time
Here's the info:

Let's Talk Tablet Computers
Tablet computers are known for being portable and easy to use. Compared to a smartphone or personal computer, can a tablet really do it all? This month we'll share tips on what tablets can do, which are most accessible, and why you might choose a tablet over other devices. Bring your questions and experiences!
Date: Tuesday, May 26
Time: 8 PM EDT, 7:00 PM Central Time
Submit a question here
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2Y3TR5Z

How to Join:
Phone: +1 929 205 6099
Meeting ID: 468 325 263
One tap mobile (for iPhone): +19292056099,,468325263#

Join Online
https://zoom.us/j/468325263?status=success
Zoom shortcuts and FAQs
https://hadley.edu/discussions/instructions.asp#skip
Free audiobook on using Zoom with a screen reader, by Jonathan Mosen
https://mosen.org/zoom/
Join the Hadley Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/hadleyinstitute

This is taking place in Zoom on Thursday.
More info here
https://benetech.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wr-PZGgXQu-tDQLF-PghPw

There's some redundancy with links I've previously posted, but most haven't been posted before.
Free books, free screen readers, and all sorts of accessible information about Covid-19.

Survey: Flattening the Inaccessibility Curve
Participate in a study investigating experiences of adults who are blind or have low vision during the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://www.afb.org/blog/entry/covid-19-survey

Freedom Scientific is making their screen readers and magnifying programs,
JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion free of charge through June 2020 for anyone living in the U.S. and Canada.
https://www.freedomscientific.com/webinars/connect-and-learn-040220/
Here is more from the announcement:
Special licenses have been created so students and employees working from home have access on their personal computers during the COVID-19 crisis. Each free short-term Home Annual license will expire on June 30, 2020.
Here is a number of recorded webinars about getting started with Jaws and Zoom text
https://www.freedomscientific.com/category/webinar/getting-started-with-freedom-scientific-products/#content
( Read more... )

1. Bookshare and EasyReader: The Perfect Solution That Will Keep Your Students Reading During This Extended Break

March 26th, 2020 at 12:00 PM PDT

Join Bookshare and Dolphin for a 30-minute webinar on two different days where you will learn how to download the free Dolphin EasyReader app on your home devices, sync it with your child’s Bookshare account, and set reading preferences.
Register here
https://yourdolphin.com/en-gb/webinars/100148677

*

2. Important Notice to Library Borrowers

Dear Perkins Library Patrons,

Due to evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker issued an Executive Order requiring all non-essential businesses to close effective Tuesday, March 24, 2020. The Executive Order extends until April 7, 2020.

The Perkins Library falls into this category, so no Library mail will be sent out after March 24. Additionally, we ask borrowers to hold all Library materials until you are notified that we are able to receive them by return mail.

In the absence of Library materials, you may wish to consider signing up for our Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) service. This service allows you to download titles directly to an Android, Kindle Fire, or iOS device for easy playback. You can also download the books to a USB drive for use with our digital player. To start using BARD,
simply fill out the application available here.
https://nlsbard.loc.gov/NLS/ApplicationInstructions.html

If you wish to learn more about our BARD service, please contact Cory Kadlik at (617) 972-7580 or email Cory.Kadlik@Perkins.org.

We understand the hardship this situation may cause for you. We also feel the loss of not being able to serve you during these uncertain times. We will resume operations as soon as we can ensure the safety of all concerned.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Kim Charlson, Executive Director
Perkins Library

As mentioned in this online how to
https://www.howtogeek.com/663812/how-to-sign-up-for-a-library-card-from-home/
you can sign up through the Libby app (which, sadly, does not seem to be accessible), or check out your local library's Website.
For Boston area folks, here is info for getting a BPL e-card.
, you can get a Boston Public Library e-card
This is if you do not already have a BPL card. The point of this is that you can register for an e-card online and it allows you access to all the online services, including being able to electronically borrow music, audiobooks, and ebooks. Some of these ebooks require an additional ebook reader app, but many can be read using just your browser.

This online registration form is mostly accessible--I am using Jaws with Chrome--but the label for the "City" combo box didn't get read for some reason. You will get an error and a link back to the form if you miss anything, though, so just stick with it.

Here's the link to the form and the FAQ
https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/4197886/eCard-Registration

March 31, 2020 (All day)
Virtual Call In
Boston MA

This event, which was to take place at the State House on March 31, will be instead taking place virtually, due to the Covid-19 state of emergency.

The purpose is to advocate for increased funding for Mass Commission for the Blind services for the elderly and to increase funding to the Perkins and Wocester libraries for the blind, as the proposed budget for these services is recommending no increases for the next budget year.

From the announcement:

What is a “Virtual” BLIND Event? It will be an advocacy day when consumers and all advocates can call into the State House, or email their elected officials, and tell them what you would have shared with them if you could have been there in person. It’s easy to do – it’s all done over the phone or via email. You don’t have to leave your home to do it and you can make a real difference!

Register
https://perkins2.secure.force.com/pmtx/evt__QuickEvent?id=a2d0d000003zlFC

This will allow event planners to email you your state representative and senator’s name, phone number, and email address so you will have the information
you need to easily reach out to them on March 31st.

You will also receive the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and the Perkins & Worcester Libraries Factsheets that are being sent directly to each representative and senator’s offices. These factsheets will provide you with the essential information to make your advocacy calls or send your emails.

Learn more on March 25th for a pre-event conference call

To learn more about how the “Virtual” BLIND Event on March 31st will work, you are invited to join an informational conference call on Wednesday, March 25th at 7:00 PM. The call-in details are below:

“Virtual” BLIND Event Informational Call
When: Wednesday, March 25 at 7:00 PM
Dial: 605-475-6006
Then enter the passcode 5665780#
You will be asked to state your name and press the pound key to continue. (The pound key is below the 9 on the phone keypad.)

Presenters for the “Virtual” BLIND Event Call will be:
Kim Charlson – Call Moderator & Logistics Coordinator for the BLIND Event
DeAnn Elliott, Presenter – MCB Factsheet Review
Paul Parravano, Presenter – Library Program Factsheet Review
Bruce Howell, Presenter – How and What consumers will do on March 31st to communicate their messages

mostly focusing on the relationship between acting and narrating
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/nov/16/throat-hurts-brain-hurts-secret-life-of-audiobook-stars-tim-dowling

Yes, we are still fighting the fight against stereotypes that say readers who use TTS are less literate and less capable of absorbing and interpreting information than their peers who are not using such technology, so here are some more actual facts
http://blog.bookshare.org/2019/05/reframing-text-to-speech-vs-human-audio-debate/

The American Printing House for the Blind has an electronic braille preservation service which will scan braille books, metal plates, etc., and convert it to electronic format
https://www.aph.org/custom/braille-preservation/

Also, here is a Windows optical braille scanning program that works with a flatbed scanner, although I have no experience with it so cannot say how well it works
http://www.karishmaenterprises.com/OBR.htm

Current Location: aerye
Current Music: Radio margaritaville

If you're a Pinkwater fan, check out his audio archive--it offers not just free audiobooks, but podcasts and radio interviews, also. Be nice and donate something to the nice man.
http://www.pinkwater.com/podcast/audioarchive.php