Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D) produces audiobooks (CD-ROM and digital download) for use by persons with print disabilities. Its focus is educational textbooks, though its 37,000-volume digital library has special collections that include medicine, environmental issues, law, women's studies, Jewish studies, and literature and fiction.
RFB&D’s AudioPlus books on CD are specially formatted for easy navigation among chapters, sections, and pages. Its AudioAccess downloads can play on Windows-based PCs most portable media devices.
RFB&D Created So Blinded Veterans Could Read
Anne T. Macdonald, of the New York Public Library's Women's Auxiliary, founded Recording for the Blind in 1948, mobilizing volunteers to record textbooks (its studio was in the library’s attic) for blind veterans attending college after World War II. Recording for the Blind became a nonprofit in 1951 and opened seven additional studios (it now has 31) in 1952.
Though the advent of Special Education in 1975 drew increasing numbers of Learning Disabled students to RFB&D (it officially added “Dyslexic” to its name in 1995); the organization is still invaluable for blind and visually impaired students, providing access to books at all levels of education and career development.
How Visually Impaired Readers Benefit from RFB&D
Member Services
- Library: Unlimited access to RFB&D’s CV Starr Learning Through Listening® Library of 37,000 audiobooks on CD or digital download.
- Recording Service: RFB&D records educational and academic books for its members; two print copies of the book are required.
- Reference Services: Bibliographic searches of entire RFB&D library (results sent via email) for research, career development, and general resource exploration.
- Scholarships: National Achievement Awards totaling $50,000 for print-disabled students.
- Playback Equipment: Special players (e.g. the Victor Reader Vibe) are required to play CDs.
- Access & Support: Members can place online orders 24/7; RFB&D also offers live telephone support; product support; personal support through national locations.
- Outreach: RFB&D offers on-site training for teachers and students on the effective use of audiobooks; offers teachers online courses, research summaries, and materials on its Learning Through Listening site.
Three Steps to an RFB&D Membership
- Application Forms: RFB&D lets you apply online or print and mail a PDF file.
- Disability Documentation: Membership requires written proof of a print impairment such as legal blindness, dyslexia, or a physical disability.
- Fees: $100 (one-time $65 registration fee; $35 annual membership fee); schools, which can’t charge non-disabled for textbooks, should reimburse both fees.
Contacting RFB&D
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic
20 Roszel Road
Princeton, NJ 08540
Phone: 609.452.0606
Toll free: 800.221.4972
Reference Librarian: 609.520.8031
RFB&D Statistics for 2007
Worldwide Members: 185,935
Total Circulation: 502,501 titles
Volunteer Readers: 7,071
New Titles: 6,189
RFB&D D is one of the few organizations that can form a foundation for one’s literacy: enables blind readers to borrow any book needed for school, career, or pleasure reading. Its vast library is easily searchable; when a book isn’t available, it can be recorded at no cost.
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