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People who have been diagnosed with a visual impairment or a reading disability often find recorded books useful, and recent technological breakthroughs provide convenient solutions to many of the drawbacks of using the old cassette-style tape recordings of books. Some of the new digital CD's, for instance, can hold more than 40 hours of audio. Specialized players can locate a specific page of the book, allowing for alternation between reading and listening. Listeners and can also bookmark a spot on the disc so that a listener can return to that place next time. Downloadable versions of some books are available that can be played on home computers, Kindles, Nooks, iPods, etc.
Here are some sources for audiobooks:
Talking Books is a joint program of public libraries and the Library of Congress. For local information about this service, see the following sites:
City of Alexandria Public Library
www.alexandria.lib.va.us/main/talking_book.html
Fairfax County Public Library
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/as/talkingbook.htm
Arlington County Public Library
http://library.arlingtonva.us/departments/libraries/outreach/librariesoutreachspecialneeds.aspx
Washington, DC Public Library http://dclibrary.org/node/7698 To borrow textbooks and technical books that public libraries may not have, see Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D) at www.rfbd.org. RFB&D's application fee is up to $100, and users are charged for certain kinds of equipment. For teachers and librarians, RFB&D offers extensive training on the use of their various kinds of equipment and on effective teaching methods using audiobooks. See website for details. If RFB&D does not have a textbook that you need, they will custom record it for you at no cost, if you send a copy of the book and make arrangements with them.
For unabridged audiobook versions of literary works and popular books, try buying or renting from one of the following commercial sources: www.amazon.com www.recordedbooks.com www.booksontape.com www.blackstoneaudio.com
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