Read & Write, Adobe Reader or Note Pad. E-textbooks can be used in several different ways. With special software such as screen readers or document readers, e-text can be audibly "read" by a computer. E-text may also be converted into MP3 files, which can play on any computer or portable MP3 playing device.
Alternative Text Resources:
Bookshare
Bookshare is an online community that enables scanned books to be shared, thereby eliminating significant duplication of effort. Bookshare takes advantage of a special exemption in the U.S. copyright law that permits the reproduction of publications into specialized formats for the disabled. Copyrighted books are only available for download in the specialized formats of digital Braille (BRF) and the digital talking book format (DAISY), and are only available to people with disabilities that have provided certification of disability. A downloadable copy of the computer software application for reading the DAISY format digital books, called Victor Reader Soft Bookshare.org Edition is included in Bookshare.org membership. The text is displayed on the screen, so it can be read with the adaptive features of the Victor Reader Soft. A student with low vision can use screen-enlarging software to read the material. In combination with screen reader software such as JAWS or Window-Eyes, the book can be listened to with Text to Speech, in a synthetic voice. Cost for book downloads and alternative players as well as the account application are listed on the website.
Website (https://www.bookshare.org/cms/)
Access Text Network
The AccessText Network is a membership exchange network that facilitates and supports the nationwide delivery of alternative files for students with diagnosed print-related disabilities. AccessText provides these textbooks by leveraging an online database powered by Intuit QuickBase® and incorporating publisher-provided information on thousands of textbook titles. Association of American Publishers’ (AAP) Higher Education Committee serves the needs and interests of AAP members who publish for the post-secondary educational market. The committee works in a variety of ways to inform the media, the higher education community including faculty, administrators, college students and their families, and the general public about an industry that is producing the finest higher education instructional materials in the world.
The AccessText Network is supported by post-secondary institutions as well as member publishers.
Website (http://accesstext.org/)