Celebrating Disability Pride Month: Audiobooks for Children's Education and Inclusion
Whoo-hoo! It's Disability Pride Month, folks! And you know what that means? It's time to celebrate the power of reading and libraries that make it accessible to everyone!
Whether you're struggling with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, hearing issues, low vision, or mobility challenges, libraries have got your back. One of the top ways they're doing that is by offering audiobooks—a fantastic way to immerse yourself in a good story or educational material.
For children on the autism spectrum or those with sensory needs, audiobooks can be a lifesaver. They help kids focus, concentrate better, and allow them to do other tasks like playing or fidgeting while still enjoying a story. This flexibility is a game-changer for many.
For those with vision, hearing, and mobility issues, audiobooks are a practical, comfortable solution. They provide a way to read that's tailored to their needs, making reading as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
But audiobooks are not just a boon for those with disabilities; they're also perfect for busy people, multitaskers, and long-commuters. A great way to unwind, relax, or even meditate, audiobooks make reading accessible to everyone!
So, without further ado, let's take a peek at some amazing, free audiobook options available through Harris County Public Library:
Read-Alongs: Wonderbooks & Vox Books
Read-Alongs are magical hardcover books with a permanently attached audioplayer. They allow young readers to read-along or simply listen to the story. Wonderbooks and Vox Books Read-Alongs are available in both physical and digital formats, so you can read along online, on your smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer.
These all-in-one units come with an on-off button, volume control, fast forward/rewind, and can be charged with a universal charging cable. Perfect for quiet reading times or noisy playdates, these Read-Alongs help increase comprehension and make the reading experience a delight!
To access Wonderbooks and Vox Books Read-Alongs, download the Tumblebooks App, log in using your library card number, and enjoy! You can also visit the Tumblebooks website, click the Read-Alongs button at the top of the page, and start reading-along online. Alternatively, you can place holds and check out physical copies at your library.
Digital Video Books: Tumblebooks
Digital video books offer picture books that come alive on the screen through moving illustrations. They also provide ebooks in a kid-friendly style. All you'll need is a computer or a device to download the app and your library card account if you're accessing Tumblebooks from outside the library or on the app.
To access Tumblebooks, simply download the app, log in using your library card number, and start reading-along online. Alternatively, visit the Tumblebooks website, click the Story Books button at the top of the page, and enjoy!
Books on CD
Can't get enough of book recordings on compact discs? Harris County Public Library has thousands of Books on CD just for kids! All you need is a separate playing device for these.
eAudiobooks: Libby & Sora
Looking for digital audiobooks? Libby and Sora have you covered! Read e-audiobooks on your computer or the app. Just remember that you'll need internet/WiFi access for the initial download. Place holds within the app, and enjoy a two-week checkout.
Playaways: Pre-loaded MP3 players
Love the convenience of audiobooks? Try Playaways! These pre-loaded MP3 players are self-contained, so you won't need any other device or access points. They come with an on-off button, play/pause, change reading speed, skip to next chapter, and fast forward/rewind. The viewing screen shows the reading time countdown, battery level, chapter number, play status, and reading speed. All you'll need is batteries (provided) and earbuds or headphones (not provided).
Finally, if you're looking for great audio book recommendations for kids (4-7) and tweens (8-12), we've got you covered! From Jabari Jumps to Diary of a Wimpy Kid, there's something for everyone. Have a blast exploring these fantastic audiobook formats!☮️💪🎉📚🎧📚✨
- Libraries offer audiobooks, a beneficial way for kids on the autism spectrum or those with sensory needs to focus and enjoy stories, even during playtime.
- Audiobooks can help individuals with vision, hearing, and mobility issues read comfortably, catering to their unique requirements.
- Besides aiding those with disabilities, audiobooks provide a practical solution for busy people, multitaskers, and long-commuters to unwind and learn.
- Harris County Public Library offers Wonderbooks & Vox Books Read-Alongs, digital video books, Books on CD, and eAudiobooks for a versatile reading experience.
- The Tumblebooks App and website provide access to Read-Alongs, digital video books, all you need is a library card number.
- Playaways, pre-loaded MP3 players, offer convenience as they are self-contained, requiring only batteries and headphones.
- Libby and Sora provide a platform for digital audiobooks, offering a two-week checkout period.
- For young readers (4-7) and tweens (8-12), Harris County Public Library offers suitable audio book recommendations such as 'Jabari Jumps' and 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid'.
- Audiobooks can aid in developing skills, enhancing learning and knowledge, including education-and-self-development, personal-growth, shopping, career-development, and job-search.
- To truly appreciate the power of audiobooks, take some time this Disability Pride Month to explore the wide range of options available at your local library and discover a whole new world of reading.
