Learning Ally, which was previously named Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D), is a

non-profit A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...

volunteer organization operating nationwide in the

United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country Continental United States, primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 U.S. state, states, a Washington, D.C., ...

. It produces and maintains a library of educational accessible

audiobook An audiobook (or a talking book) is a recording of a book or other work being read out loud. A reading of the complete text is described as "unabridged", while readings of shorter versions are abridgements. Spoken audio has been available in sc ...

s for people who cannot effectively read standard print because of

visual impairment Visual impairment, also known as vision impairment, is a medical definition primarily measured based on an individual's better eye visual acuity; in the absence of treatment such as correctable eyewear, assistive devices, and medical treatment� ...

dyslexia Dyslexia, also known until the 1960s as word blindness, is a disorder characterized by reading below the expected level for one's age. Different people are affected to different degrees. Problems may include difficulties in spelling words, r ...

, or other

disabilities Disability is the experience of any condition that makes it more difficult for a person to do certain activities or have equitable access within a given society. Disabilities may be cognitive, developmental, intellectual, mental, physical, ...

Services

Learning Ally provides services to individuals with print disabilities such as

and

s, as well as the people who support them. This includes services for parents such as phone consultations, webinars, support networks and information on specialists and tutors; and services for teachers such as classroom management tools (Teacher Ally), professional development workshops and lesson plans. Learning Ally also offers a digital

library which in 2015 contained over 80,000 titles, including textbooks on specialty and academic subjects, from

kindergarten Kindergarten is a preschool educational approach based on playing, singing, practical activities such as drawing, and social interaction as part of the transition from home to school. Such institutions were originally made in the late 18th cen ...

through post-graduate and professional. Borrowers must provide a certification of their disability, and they may borrow titles through an individual membership, through their association with a member institution such as a school, or both. In recent years, approved borrowers had paid no charges for this service through funding which was provided by the U.S. Department of Education. Since the federal appropriation was eliminated in 2011, Learning Ally began to require individuals to pay an annual membership fee, currently $135, and hardship waivers are also granted to individuals who qualify for them. Audio software for mainstream mobile devices and the group's Link software for Mac and PC are available to members free of charge. At various fee levels, Institutional memberships are also provided to public and private schools, colleges and universities. The company awards four types of scholarship prizes to students who use its assistive technology.

Software

Learning Ally Link is an educational reading app, designed for students who learn through listening, including students with dyslexia, learning disabilities or visual impairment.

Explore 1in5

In 2015, Learning Ally launched the ''Explore1in5.org'' site, a student-driven community hub to drive public awareness of dyslexia. a nation awareness campaign for dyslexia The site offers resources and information about dyslexia, including: *Video statements and stories by children and teens describing their dyslexia experiences *Common misconceptions and myths about dyslexia *Opportunities for site visitors to contribute their own stories by uploading a video or writing a blog entry *Ideas and materials to help raise awareness of dyslexia

References

{{Authority control Non-profit organizations based in Princeton, New Jersey Libraries for the blind Blindness organizations in the United States Dyslexia Audiobook companies and organizations Accessible information Articles containing video clips