Bookshare.org Gives Disabled Users Access to Thousands of New Titles

By Planet eBook Editor
February 27, 2002

A new Web site -- Bookshare.org -- has opened for individuals with visual impairments or learning disabilities, giving readers access to thousands of eBooks for a small yearly fee. Because copyright law allows the distribution of literary works in special formats for blind and other people with certain disabilities, Bookshare.org, with the help of volunteers, has been able to build a growing collection of eBooks that already stands at several thousand titles.

People interested in becoming a member must submit written proof of their disability or impairment. Once this is verified and a setup fee of $25 is paid, for $50 a year a member gains access to -- including to the ability to download -- the whole eBook collection at Bookshare.org. Users can download and print into Braille or use DAISY-based software to listen to the eBook.

"Imagine being cut off from your culture - being unable to enjoy New York Times bestsellers or Oprah's Book Club selections when your friends are all talking about them. Unfortunately, fewer than 5% of books are now available in Braille or audiotape," said Jim Fruchterman, CEO of Benetech. "While we can't promise every book in print will be in Bookshare.org's collection, the number of volumes available online for people with print disabilities will now be limited only by the number of volunteers willing to scan books."

The non-profit Bookshare.org site, being run and sponsored by Benetech, welcomes volunteer involvement. Access to the library is restricted to U.S. residents.

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