A Reader?

[woodelf]

Would anyone consider reading a book for me?...as I'm totally blind and what I miss are the books I could read by sight and look unlikely to ever become commercially available. I will pay for tapes/CDs used, but as this is the first time I've ever asked this, I have no idea of a fee...for want of a better word. Ta Muchly.

[Androcles]

Apparently Intel had a device which can "read" books aloud. It looks pricey, but maybe ther is some help for purchasing it? http://venturebeat.co...reader-for-the-blind/

[madmaggot]

I believe there are tapes/dvds of books read aloud; available in libraries.

[factor-fiction]

Hi madmaggot- I understood that woodelf knows this but believes the sort of books he likes are unlikely to bceome commercially available in audio book format

[woodelf]

Yes MM, Factor is right. I get loads of audio books from the library and that's fine, but the books I used to read and love just aren't available...for whatever reason and that's why I'm asking for a reader...a human reader Andro' not some artificial voice thingy...I've enough to put up with with this speech system I'm using, whereas a human voice would, hopefully, give some characterisation as well as narrative.

[Hawkwalk]

just a thought but have you tried asking a local school if they could help. It may be possible for children to read to you as part of their studies.

Also for my own education, how can you read the answers given on here?

[brenda]

right woodelf , tell me exactly what it is you want doing, and I am prepared to have a go.I do not want any fee ,but will give it my best shot.Brenda.

[woodelf]

Blimey!...Brenda, this is a superbly brilliant offer by you and I will gladly and gratefully accept. There are two fave books, but the first is *The Pathway* by Henry Williamson and the second by the same author is *Dandelion Days*....but if you can only manage one, then The Pathway it is. I have the book and can post it to you. I will pay for the tapes (if you use them )TDK preferable) or CDs (whichever). The Pathway is about 420 pages and has a lot of characters, but it is a beautiful book. My email is [email protected] so we can sort out postal addresses...flipping heck, my eyes are starting to prick with tears at such an opportunity...smile...Thank You Ever So Much Brenda.

[woodelf]

Hawk, the speech system/screen reader I use can *speak* back to me virtually everything you can see on the screen. It can't read graphics or images/photos etc, but characters i.e. letters, words etc it can...along with a load of other unintelligible guff and if I can remember the how, it can also tell me colours, white on black, lime green on whatever, etc...but don't ask me how, I just take it as it is. Thanks for your suggestion, but I think the books I would like to be read would be better read by adults...no doubt you've seen by now the superb Brenda!

[welshlibranr]

I'm very happy to help too woodelf, I have some evenings free, let me know, if brenda is going to do 'Pathway' for you, then I'll happily do 'Dandelion Days', if you leave a message here for me, then I will e mail you to finalise, best wishes.....................

[woodelf]

Hi Welsh, as Brenda has first shot then I will give Brenda the run of my emotions...and I will take it from there!...I hope that's okay with you?

[Hawkwalk]

Hi Woodelf, thanks for explaining. It is good to see some technology going to good use. Looks like Brenda will be very helpful.

[welshlibranr]

That's fine woodelf, if you need any help in the future just give me a shout!..............

[woodelf]

Okay Welsh' will do...and Brenda, if you're still okay for doing this, I can get the tapes...if you're thinking of taping...and send them to you.

[brenda]

Right woodelf----Will do the Pathway,Will e -mail you in about 10 mins. with my address

[China Doll]

Awwww, what a nice thread.... I'm happy to take a stint on this should it ever be needed as well. I read a lot anyway so it's really no trouble.

[dragongiraffe]

I have a visually handicapped relative - an avid reader - and who's passion is admirably catered for, not just via. the local library audio books but also via. the local branch of the National Association for the Visually Handicapped - who also have various on-line strategies for getting around what is, surprisingly, looked on as a small prob. by my relative!

[dragongiraffe]

Hi Factor 30 - Youv'e gotta get 'em off the top shelf, first, haven;t you?!!

[mrs_overall]

Hi woodelf

In my university days I used to read philosphy books onto tape for a blind student. I am more than willing to help in any way I can (and NOT for any payment, it would be a privilege to help you).

[Mamyalynne]

What a heart warming thread, I am visually impaired but not to the extent that woodelf is. Can I just say yet again what wonderful people ABers are.

M

[woodelf]

Many Thanks China Doll and Mrs-Overall, I will cherish your offers of help and will call on them if...?...best to see what Brenda makes of the book first, eh?...I mean when she sees it before taping it.