Adventures in Assistive Technology: Alternate Format Archives

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October 16, 2009

Electronic Braille Book Library

Braille has been an effective means of communication for people who are blind since 1829 when it was invented in Paris, France by Louis Braille. Incidentally, Louis Braille became blind at the age of 3, when he accidentally stabbed himself in the eye with a stitching awl. Later in life, Louis invented his raised-dot system with his father's stitching awl, the same implement with which he had blinded himself (Wikipedia).

I recently came across The Electronic Braille Book Library whose online collection currently contains over 1,000 electronic Braille (e-Braille) books in Grade II Braille. These books can be read on-line if you have access to a Braille Display device, or you can download them to read by loading them in to a Braille notetaker. You can also print them in hard-copy Braille if you have a Braille printer.

Titles in the library include such classics as: Robinson Crusoe, Hamlet, and Jane Eyre, and if you have an excellent knowledge of Grade II Braille and Braille formatting, they are always looking for help with translation of materials in to e-Braille to add to this collection.

Check out the Electronic Braille Book Library by clicking on the link below:

http://www.braille.org/braille_books/

July 30, 2009

Requests for Alternate Format Textbooks

Please remember that the process of ordering electronic versions of textbooks can take 4 weeks or more. Therefore, if you would like to receive your books in time for the Fall 2009 term you should submit your order ASAP.

This is the information we require for EACH textbook:

COURSE INFORMATION:
Course name, number, section
Instructor's first & last name

TEXTBOOK INFORMATION:
Title
Author(s)
Edition
ISBN
Publisher

Where you bought it
When you bought it
What you paid

Please email your requests to dssaltformat@usask.ca

Or fill in the Alternate Format Request Form AF Request Form

For more information, please see the DSS Alternate Format website at:
http://www.students.usask.ca/disability/dss/textbooks/
If you are at all confused by any of the above information, please call
966-2669 for help.