Developing books for beginning readers in six of Nepal’s minority languages using a low-cost, accessible, and linguistically appropriate book title development model.
Project Name
Reading Equality with Accessible Design (READ)
Location Implemented
Nepal
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
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
The READ project proposed to build on the Enabling Writers initiative, through which World Education had already developed a foundation for developing children's books in Nepali and six other Nepal minority languages. READ would incorporate accessibility considerations into title development workshops, engage persons with disabilities, and work with communities and local governments to promote and institutionalize a low-cost, accessible, and linguistically appropriate book title development model.
Featured Innovation
Bloom Library
A global collection of books created with Bloom software. Bloom makes it easy to create simple books and translate them into multiple languages.