Learning Ally (formerly Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic)

Learning Ally a nonprofit volunteer organization, is the nation's educational library serving people who cannot effectively read standard print because of visual impairment, dyslexia, or other physical disability.

National Headquarters
20 Roszel Road
Princeton, New Jersey 08540
United States
Telephone: 800-221-4792 or 866-732-3585.
Fax: 609-987-8116.
Web: http://www.learningally.org.
Email: custserv@LearningAlly.org.

Products manufactured by Learning Ally (formerly Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic) (listed alphabetically)

1. LEARNING ALLY AUDIO

   Learning Ally Audio is a digital talking book player program designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. This application (or app) enables an Apple iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad to function as a voice output electronic book reader for books in the standard DAISY formats. Learning Ally membership is required in order to use the app and download audiobooks from the Learning Ally website. The Direct Downloading feature allows the user to download audiobooks from their Learning Ally account’s Bookshelf directly into their device. The user can navigate through audiobooks by using chapters and page numbers as points of reference, adjust reading speed to their taste by increasing or decreasing the speed of audio playback, and create and edit bookmarks to mark important passes. The app also automatically remembers the furthest point reached by the user in each book and is compatible with Apple's VoiceOver (screen reader). COMPATIBILITY: For use with the Apple iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Apple iOS 3.2 or later.

Products distributed by Learning Ally (formerly Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic) (listed alphabetically)

1. ECLIPSEREADER

   The eClipseReader is a digital talking book player program designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. This software plays text documents and DAISY format digital talking books. It has a talking user interface that can be customized for keyboard operation or a simple graphic interface for users with low vision. The software is screen reader compatible. Volume and speed controls are selectable via a hot key or tool bar. The software allows chapter, page, heading, and phrase level navigation of DAISY format books, and use of DAISY study tools including the ability to make notes and create multiple bookmarks. Notes can be exported to Microsoft Note Pad in outline style. A password protected multi-user mode saves each user's books library, bookmarks, text notes, and visual and audio preferences settings. Synthetic voice output is provided through VoiceText in SAPI 5.1 US English text-to-speech. COMPATIBILITY: For use on IBM and compatible computers. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Pentium 233 MHz (megahertz) or higher processor; Windows 98/98SE/ME/2000/XP/XP-PRO operating system; Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher; 64 MB (megabytes) RAM (random access memory); 50 MB hard disk space for installation; Sound Blaster-compatible multi-wave sound card; 8X or faster CD-ROM drive; DirectX 8.1 or higher; video display adapter with 800x600 256 Colors or higher resolution.

2. TPB READER

   The TPB Reader is a digital talking book player program designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. This software can be used to play digital talking books that meet the international DAISY standards, including those distributed by Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D). Users can navigate books by page, chapter, or section. The reading voice can be sped up or slowed down. Up to 200 bookmarks can be placed in a book. Commands are entered through drop down menus or keyboard shortcuts. The software comes with an Electronic Reference Guide. COMPATIBILITY: For use with IBM and compatible computers. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Pentium 166 megahertz (MHz) or higher processor; Internet Explorer 5.0 required (IE 5.5 recommended); Windows 98/2000/NT/ME/XP operating system; 64 megabytes (MB) random access memory (RAM) 30 MB hard disk space; and a multi-channel sound card. DirectX 7.0 (included) is required for the operation of the program's variable speed function; computers running later versions of DirectX (8.0 or higher) will not be able to use the variable speed function. Compatible screen reader programs include JAWS for Windows version 4.01 or later, and Window Eyes version 4.2 or later (not included; see separate entries).

3. VICTOR READER SOFT

   Victor Reader Soft is a software version of the Victor Reader digital talking book player (see separate entries), designed for use by persons who are blind or have low vision. Installed on a personal computer, Victor Reader Soft reads digital talking books from the computer's CD drive. It provides basic and advanced navigation features, including browsing the table of contents, skipping from section to section or returning quickly to a page, and inserting bookmarks to return to a spot or to mark important passages. A text display mode allows the user to read text on screen synchronized with audio. Notes can be taken on the computer while the audio is playing. Victor Reader Soft has a friendly interface that is fully accessible to all print disabled persons. COMPATIBILITY: For IBM and compatible computers. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Microsoft Windows 9X, NT, 2000, Millennium, or XP.

4. VICTOR READER STREAM CD EDITION

   The Victor Reader Stream CD Edition is a handheld digital talking book and MP3 player designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. It differs from the standard Victor Reader Stream (see separate entry) in that it does not require a PC for loading digital talking books and other content such as e-text files, music, podcasts, and voice recordings. The player comes with a CD player accessory that connects to the player via the included USB cable and can transfer DAISY books directly from a CD to the player's removable 2-gigabyte (GB) SD card (included). Ear buds and a documentation CD are also included. POWER: The player uses a rechargeable battery; battery and recharger are included. The CD accessory has a power adaptor allowing it to use standard 100-240 volt alternating current; 50-60 hertz. DIMENSIONS (HxWxD): 4.6 x 2.6 x 0.9 inches (player). WEIGHT: 6 ounces. COLOR: The player is black and silver; the CD accessory is black.

See Learning Ally (formerly Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic) products that are no longer available.