Library platforms and book collections accessible to children who are blind/low vision.
Project Name
Expanding Born Accessible Books in Asia
Location Implemented
Global
Technology Used
Assistive Technology, Software/Apps
Competition Entered
Book Boost: Access for All Challenge
Reading Skill Targeted
Reading Environment
Status
Semi-Finalist
Amount Award
$12,000
Collaborators/Partners
Dria Manungall, SIGAB, Humanity & Inclusion, IKAPI, Litara Foundation and Benetech
The Challenge
Despite the importance of books in boosting foundational literacy skills, for the estimated 19 million children globally who are blind or have low vision, or the millions of children with other disabilities that impact their use of traditionally printed materials, the shortage of quality books in accessible formats is severe. Increasing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of creating accessible books in the title development phase ("born accessible") is critical to increasing the number of accessible books.
The Big Idea
Building on the successful launch of Asia's first free, open-source library of children's books, The Asia Foundation's Books for Asia team proposed making the library platform and book collection accessible to children who are blind/low vision--starting with Indonesia in 2018 and scaling to other developing countries in the region.
Featured Innovation
Let’s Read – Digital Library of Children’s Books
An early learning app that aims to teach all children early reading, writing and math.
Blogs and Media
News Byte // September 20, 2022Nepali Sign Language storybooks now available
Research and Resources
Connect with the Innovator
