An Ally for One and All: Reading Access
When looking at this week's module, it is clear that when we plan our library design spaces and how we support access to content, we must have a clear plan for ALL to be able to have access. What benefits our patrons that are "differently-abled" benefit all, as perfectly noted in Dr. Green's personal story and example. Technology that was once used to assist the deaf and blind are now a part of our everyday lives in the cell phones and devices we use. This is also the case in our classrooms with the example of Learning Ally, which is truly geared to provide access for those that REQUIRE a different way to access the written word.
Brief History
The roots of Learning Ally began back in 1948, when Annie T. MacDonald worked with the New York Public Library's Women's Auxiliary to make vinyl records for injured soldiers. This was the beginning of the Read for the Blind (RFB) accommodation. Throughout the decades texts were added and records changed to tapes to e-Texts to online access. Then, in 2011, the name was changed to Learning Ally to include all users and services.
Accommodation
In Dr. Copeland's articles, she noted how "new technologies and changing literacies have modified the library scene...but our mission to provide our children with the information, knowledge, and skills they need to become information literate, productive, contributing citizens remains the same" (Copeland, 2011). Learning Ally allows teacher librarians and teachers to provide educational supports to help make this possible.
Learning Ally is a auditory technology application that provides students with a variety of learning differences, access to novels and textbooks, as well as providing instructional options for younger students. This human reader accommodation provides 80,000+ titles in their library from early readers through college level texts, and beyond. Students are able to search for the titles they require, so they may work at a similar rate as their peers. The only needed tools are a device to download the application and headphones. Students now have the option to have the text highlighted as they read, or follow along in their hard copy text to make notes, annotations, etc. This allows each user to determine how they want to use the application and how similar they would like to be to their peers. This allows for the accommodation to really be individualized, as well as give the user ownership.
Access/Use/Cost
Learning Ally is simple to access, once the user has an account set up. After set up is completed, it is very easy for parents, teachers, and students to add book selections. To help with the selection of independent reading selections, the Lexile Level is also provided to be able to match a student's independent reading level to the text they would like to access. Many times, a student's independent reading level is much lower than their auditory reading level/understanding. Knowing these details, can help the school librarian help with making suggestions of possibly titles of interest for reading enjoyment. This accessibility tool is very user friendly for users of any age. This quick video gives a great introduction to using the application.
There is a cost for access to Learning Ally for districts and individuals ($135 plus). Schools and/or districts must purchase individual liquesces for each individual student, which provides equity of access based on individual need. For those users not attached to a school district, there is a waiver option as Learning Ally is a non-profit. This really shows that they have put their money where their mouth is. when it comes to providing access to those truly in need. To apply for the waiver, you must have a 504/IEP or a medical diagnosis, fill out a membership, and the assistance program application.
Copeland, Clayton. (2011, January/February). School librarians of the 21st century. Knowledge Quest, 39,3.
Hi Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteLearning Ally sounds like an amazing resource that schools can provide to help students with dyslexia or who need to listen to listen texts for comprehension. It's great that this can allow individualized learning and has many texts available. I also liked that you pointed out how this can help school librarians find books to help students succeed by understanding their reading level. Thanks for sharing this resource!
Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI had looked for a resource such as this with no luck when I was in the classroom! I found that I had students who didn't necessarily qualify to receive extra services but still needed that support. This would have been so helpful to those students! Sometimes our students can miss out on things that will help them, and I think this resource would be so helpful! Thanks for sharing.