Learning Ally

If you really knew me, you’d know that I enjoy reading stories aloud. (Yes, I’m a dork. No shame!)
I’m also a teacher, so reading to others is part of the job description.
– Background/​Info –
Learning Ally is an organization, supported by volunteers, that provides audio book services to individuals with sight, print, or learning disabilities. Anyone impacted by such a disability can tell you how essential audio support can be to one’s independence and success.
My school used Learning Ally (formerly Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic/RFB&D) services occasionally years ago. At that time audio books were on specialized CDs. The CDs would only play on equally specialized CD players, and they had a different playing format/​buttons than standard. While a good service, it was a bit cumbersome.
Somewhere along the way our relationship with them fizzled out (I think they were in transition from RB&D to Learning Ally). So, we then went to an expensive Audible subscription. While good quality, I struggled to provide enough students with access to audio cd/.mp¾ downloads while keeping the budget in check. I can’t tell you how many hours and dollars I spent… Also cumbersome.
Last fall we were contacted by a Learning Ally rep and learned we qualified for audio services. Thanks to the advances in technology, everything’s digital: audio files can be downloaded to phones, tablets, and computers! NOT cumbersome!
In fact, it’s super cool.
A few months later, I decided to volunteer.
– My volunteer experience –
Shirley, one of the 3 – 4 head honchos, ended up working with me most. She’s a great teacher! She also hooked me up with Jim to mentor me on reading and self-​editing. He’s so conscientious, so the perfect example of what TO do! He also kept it real:
«People volunteer here wanting to become a star,» he said.
(But…but I WANT to be a star, Jim! :) Kind of.) I get it, though: there’s a LOT more to do than just pop on some headphones and read away to your heart’s content!
Jobs include editing others’ readings for accuracy and quality and/​or read textbooks. I’ve seen AP History, American Government, Health, Anatomy and Physiology, Criminal Justice. Though Learning Ally volunteers also read novels/​stories, they don’t at this location.
Of course the biggest objective is helping others. Volunteers commit to at least 2 hours per week, but some work 7 – 8 hour shifts! The staff and volunteers are sweet: there’s a true sense of community here.
– Limited Hours/​Staff –
While the advances in technology can be great, there are also detriments: the biggest being that Learning Ally will limiting days/​hours by the end of June 2015: Wednesdays and Thursdays only, until 5pm.
Instead of a physical space with soundproof booths and volunteers coming in and out, many volunteers will now be virtual and need to work from home.
It’s sad to see such a cool space and community be limited. I am absolutely thankful to the staff I have had the pleasure of working with for the last few months I’ve volunteered: you guys are amazing! Thank you for welcoming me into your space and teaching me the ropes!
If you have a few spare hours during the week and want to volunteer to be an editor and/​or reader for this amazing organization, visit Learning Ally dot org!