In recognition of Dyslexia Awareness Month in October, staff from Georgia Library Service (GLS) for the Blind and Print Disabled highlight why dyslexia awareness is important and how to find support for those with reading disabilities.
GLS is a free library service that provides reading materials in accessible formats for Georgia residents of any age who are unable to read standard print due to a visual, physical, or reading disability.
What is Dyslexia Awareness Month? Are there any special events planned?
Dyslexia Awareness Month is celebrated every October to promote understanding and awareness of dyslexia, which is a learning disability that can involve difficulties with reading and processing written language.
3 Facts About Dyslexia
- Dyslexia is the most common learning disability.
- One in five people experience dyslexia.
- About 70% to 85% of children who are placed in special education for learning disabilities are dyslexic.
We invite you to join GLS at the Dyslexia Dash in collaboration with the International Dyslexia Association of Georgia on Saturday, October 19 at 8 a.m. in Atlanta. Stop by the GLS informational table to learn more about our services.
How can GLS support individuals with dyslexia or other reading disabilities?
GLS recognizes the importance for everyone to be able to read without difficulty and with options to read your own way.
Studies support the premise that audiobooks can support and promote literacy, comprehension, and love of reading in students with reading disabilities. Any Georgian with a reading disability is eligible for the GLS talking-book program.
GLS supports those with dyslexia by providing audiobooks and magazines that are easy to access. With GLS, there are no holds or delays in getting books you want to read and there are no fines in returning items after a due date, as with most library materials. GLS patrons can download titles, begin reading, and take the time they need to enjoy a book.
GLS does have an application process. You can ask a teacher, reading coach, librarian, or other professional to certify (sign) the application. Individuals are eligible for GLS services if they have been diagnosed with a perceptual or reading disability that prevents them from reading regular print materials.
Once the application has been certified and submitted, the applicant will have the option to listen to audiobooks on a talking book machine provided and sent via the U.S. Postal Service or by downloading the Braille and Reading Download, or BARD app, to a smart device (iOS, Android, or Kindle Fire) to download and listen to independently. Audiobooks from GLS are edited to optimize functionality to work with the adapted technology provided, including the talking book machine and BARD app.
How does someone request assistance from GLS?
To contact GLS, call 800-248-6701 or email [email protected]. You can learn more about GLS at gls.georgialibraries.org
Does GLS offer other resources for people with reading disabilities?
In addition to listening to audiobooks and magazines on BARD, GLS offers Bookshare. Bookshare is an added subscription service that provides audio and specialized ebooks in audio, audio plus highlighted text, braille, and large font. Many students are covered by this service until they leave formal education. GLS offers this service for free to patrons that have aged out of being otherwise subsidized.
Is there anything else you would like people to know?
GLS is a Network Library of the National Library Service (NLS) for the Blind and Print Disabled, which administers this program nationwide. For more information on how NLS supports those with reading disabilities, refer to their website at loc.gov/nls.
Schools and other educational support agencies are able to have an Institutional account. This allows them to receive a talking book machine, audiobooks, magazines on cartridges, BARD access, and Braille materials to incorporate into their teaching.
Contact GLS
Website: gls.georgialibraries.org
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-800-248-6701
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