01/09/2023
https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2023-0104-free-audiobooks-slps/full/
How to Access Free Audiobooks for People With Speech-Language Disorders
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Many of our clients, patients, and students may be interested in the Talking Book program from the National Library Service (NLS), which offers free audiobook access for people with temporary or permanent disabilities—for reading disabilities and aphasia as well as blindness or physical disabilities.
The process is simple. People who need audiobook access can complete an application on the Library of Congress NLS website. Applicants need to indicate the primary disability preventing them from reading printed material, and specify their interest in the Talking Book program (not Braille content). A “certifying authority”—speech-language pathologist, reading specialist, physician, optometrist, psychologist, or other health care professional—must sign it.
Mail the application to your local network library. After receiving and processing the application, a talking book manager will reach out to the applicant to assess the type of access needed.
Audio book options
I work at the Stroke Comeback Center in Vienna, Virginia, a nonprofit serving the long-term communication and fitness needs of stroke and brain trauma survivors. We run more than 55 in-person and virtual weekly classes for our members, who have varying degrees of communication abilities—and our Book Club classes are especially popular.
Stroke survivors often experience physical disabilities, alexia, visual neglect, hemianopsia, and other reading challenges that can prevent them from reading longform content, but they enjoy audio magazines, newspaper articles, and books.
NLS is not the only option for audiobooks, but other services may present challenges for users. Amazon’s Audible has an extensive library, but charges a monthly fee. Libby, another great resource, gives users access to free print and audiobooks from their local library. However, popular book titles often have long waitlists and usually need to be returned in three weeks—not long enough for stroke survivors who may require more time to listen to a complete book.
The NLS, however, is a free braille and talking-book library service founded in the 1930s for people with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical or perceptual disability that prevents them from reading or holding the printed page. Through a national network of cooperating libraries, NLS offers books in braille or audio, mailed to users free of charge or instantly downloadable. Although established to serve people with visual impairment, it has expanded to include people with physical or perceptual disabilities, including those with temporary or permanent reading disabilities.
Talking books’ services
Several of our stroke survivors use a talking book player—a device mailed to applicants free of charge. Users can also request audio cartridges of chosen material to be delivered to their home, a welcome solution for survivors who have visual deficits or struggle with dexterity.
Alternatively, approved applicants can request an account with Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD), which allows for direct audio downloads onto a user’s computer, tablet, or phone. The downloaded audio content doesn’t expire, so users have unlimited time with their chosen book. Some of our members check out the print version of books at the library as well, and then follow along visually as they listen to the content—a system especially helpful for our members with aphasia.
As SLPs, we can spread the word about this program by informing our clients, students, patients, or anyone else who might benefit. For more information, visit the NLS FAQ page or call 888-NLS-READ (888-657-7323) to connect with the library serving your area.
Amy C. Georgeadis, MS, CCC-SLP (she/her/hers), is the program director at the Stroke Comeback Center in Vienna, Virgina. amy@strokecomebackcenter.org
