Blind

[close] Blind and visually impaired readers often have to use alternative devices, systems and formats to read their books. Discussing precisely what we use (which synthesizers,, hardware, software etc; what sources exist for obtaining accessible versions of books, scanning books yourself and the quality of the books you scan or read and anything else that falls under the umbrella category of accessible reading.

[close] Whether you are already part of a book group, are interested in setting one up or are an individual who would like to take part, then this is for you. Sign up for Read for RNIB and read one of our suggested books. Everyone that registers will be sent exclusive discussion points from our chosen authors, written specifically for the Read for RNIB Reading Group. There will be questions about the overriding themes of the books, plot development and the characters involved. However, the ‘novel’ idea behind this year’s Reading Group is that all of the books chosen feature a blind or partially sighted character. This means that you will also receive thought provoking questions that focus on this character and their journey throughout the story.

[close] Being an avid bookworm who also happens to be blind can be a bit of a challenge when your beloved book club decides to read a book that is either too new or too obscure to have yet been made into an accessible E-book, audiobook, or Braille file. I wanted to enjoy camaraderie, participate in reading challenges, and not have to worry about trying to get a Book of the Month (BOM) in a format I could read. Hence, this group's inception. All books chosen to be read as BOMS will be available through sources such as Bookshare, Audible, Learning Ally, or BARD. Reading challenges' will be created so that all may participate, regardless of level of vision, so we won't be running any challenges which exclusively require you to base your reading choices on the picture or design on the book's cover. Although we will focus on insuring that our group reads are available in an accessible format, this group welcomes any and all members, as bookworms, whether sighted or not, are bookworms nonetheless and all bookworms are friends in my book! And finally for those who may be curious: I enjoy wordplay and settled on the name of this group because although we, as blind bookworms, may use a cane, we are more than able to read books!

[close] If you are like me, then you enjoy reading a good book. You'd like to take part in a book club, but there seems to be one or more obstacles preventing you from staying long-term. Maybe it's the location. Paratransit just might not be able to get you to someone's scenic mountain home. Or maybe the book is a new release that is a bit off the beaten path and therefore isn't available on a place like Bookshare or BARD. Or perhaps you would just like to find a place where you aren't asked whether you dream in color. In any case, this is a book club for anyone who is interested in connecting with or is part of the blind/low vision community, and loves to read. The pandemic has given rise to many virtual book clubs but as things begin reopening, who knows just how long those Zoom meetings will last? It is my hope to create a group where any and all are welcome, and we are all able to read together, develop friendships, and have some fun.