Learning Ally
 | A major contributor to this article appears to have a close connection with its subject. (April 2019) |
 Learning Ally name and logo | |
| Founded | 1948 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Anne T. Macdonald |
| Type | 501(c)(3) |
| Location | |
Area served | United States |
| Website | https://LearningAlly.org |
Learning Ally, which was previously named Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic or RFB&D, is a non-profit is a leading education solutions organization dedicated to transforming the lives of struggling learners. Our Learning Ally Audiobook Solution includes quality, human-read audio books, student-centric support features and a suite of educator resources, all designed to help students who struggle to read due to learning differences succeed in school and beyond.
Our Mission
We believe all students should have equal opportunities to learn and succeed. Today, students with learning differences have increased rates of depression, "at-risk" behaviors, a higher likelihood of dropping out and, ultimately, higher poverty rates. Without the right support, many of these students will needlessly struggle in school and will be poorly positioned for future success.
Learning Ally seeks to break this cycle of failure. We enable schools and parents to support their struggling readers and build a strong foundation for independent, engaged learners who are empowered to achieve socially, emotionally and academically, regardless of their learning difference.
Services
Learning Ally provides services for individuals with print disabilities such as dyslexia and visual impairments, as well as the people who support them. This includes services for parents such as phone consultations, webinars, support networks and information on specialists and tutors; and services for teachers such as classroom management tools (Teacher Ally), professional development workshops and lesson plans.
Learning Ally also offers a digital audiobook library which in 2015 contained over 80,000 titles,[1] including textbooks on specialty and academic subjects, from kindergarten through post-graduate and professional.
Borrowers must provide a certification of their disability, and may borrow titles through an individual membership, through their association with a member institution such as a school, or both. In recent years[when?], approved borrowers had paid no charges for this service through funding provided by the U.S. Department of Education. Since the federal appropriation was eliminated in 2011, Learning Ally began requiring an annual membership fee for individuals, currently $135, with hardship waivers available for those who qualify. Audio software for mainstream mobile devices and the group's Link software for Mac and PC are available to members free of charge. Institutional memberships are also provided at various fee levels to public and private schools, colleges and universities.
The company awards four types of scholarship prizes to students who use its assistive technology.[2]
Software
Learning Ally Link is an educational reading app, designed for students who learn through listening, including students with dyslexia, learning disabilities or visual impairment.[3]
Explore 1in5
In 2015, Learning Ally launched the Explore1in5.org site, a student-driven community hub to drive public awareness of dyslexia.[4]
The site offers resources and information on dyslexia, including:
- Video statements and stories by children and teens describing their dyslexia experiences
- Common misconceptions and myths about dyslexia
- Opportunities for site visitors to contribute their own stories by uploading a video or writing a blog entry
- Ideas and materials to help raise awareness of dyslexia
References
- ^ Krakower, Billy; Plante, Sharon LePage (2015-12-24). Using Technology to Engage Students With Learning Disabilities. Corwin Press. ISBN 9781506318271.
- ^ "national and local award opportunities". Learning Ally.
- ^ "Link". Learning Ally. Retrieved 2018-11-14.
- ^ "Explore 1in5 Initiative". a nation awareness campaign for dyslexia