Library leaders to talk revolutionary ways to offer e-books to the print-disabled at 2016 ALA Annual Conference

For Immediate Release
Tue, 06/07/2016

Contact:

Jazzy Wright

Press Officer

ALA Washington Office

American Library Association

202-403-8208

jwright@alawash.org

 
There has been a shift in the way people access information: E-books and the widespread use of graphics to convey information have created a “new normal” for how we read and learn. While these resources are readily available, too many of them are not accessible. As a result, people with disabilities such as vision impairments, physical limitations and severe learning disabilities, often face barriers to information. During the session "Accessible Books for All" at the 2016 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference, a  panel of e-books and accessibility experts will discuss the successful partnership between Benetech/Bookshare, the New York Public Library and others to provide free access to over 400,000 books, periodicals and more to qualified library patrons.
 
WHO:
  • Jill Rothstein, managing librarian, Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library, New York Public Library (NYPL)
  • Lisa Wadors Verne, program manager, Education, Research and Partnerships, Benetech
WHEN: Monday, June 27, 2016, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
 
WHERE: Orange County Convention Center
Room W105A
9800 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
 
REGISTER: To attend the conference session as a reporter, email Jazzy Wright, press officer, American Library Association’s Washington Office, at jwright@alawash.org.