Reading Services
Reading Services provides a national transcription service dedicated to empowering literacy for students with visual impairments. Through the provision of educational material in alternative formats (Braille, large print, and digital), we ensure that visually impaired students can access the full educational curriculum through the same textbooks as their peers. Additionally, we support their learning journey by offering leisure reading materials through our Library and promoting assistive technology, fostering independence and equal opportunities for all students. Since its launch in 2000, our service has grown steadily, adapting to the evolving needs of students, the expanding school curriculum, and the rapid advancement of technology.
For over 25 years, we have been at the forefront of supporting visually impaired students. We work closely with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) to produce customised educational materials that meet the unique needs of each student. In the academic year 2023/2024 (we will update to 2024/25 figure in August), our team transcribed over 8,000 titles, an extraordinary number that highlights our critical role in education for students with visual impairments. Our expertise covers a wide range of formats. We produce books in Braille, BRF digital Braille files, large print, EPUB, and text files for use with Braille displays and screen readers, as well as 3D printed objects. Each format allows students to access their schoolbooks in the way that best suits their learning needs. We also provide customised large print PDFs and tactile diagrams, ensuring that we meet the growing demand for accessible learning resources across all subjects, from mathematics and sciences to languages and music.
For more information please contact readingservices@childvision.ie
Click here for access to our online bookshelf
Library Service
Reading Services also offers a nationwide library service. This service includes a Children’s Library for leisure books in the Braille, Large Print, tactile and sensory books, and is available both for in-person visits, and as a free postal service. We also have a Resource Library with books and journals on visual impairment and multiple disabilities that are available to parents, teachers and anyone who has an interest in these areas
We also promote and support the use of assistive technology (AT) in education and for leisure reading purposes. This includes supporting the use of devices such as digital braille displays (Braille Note/Braille Sense), tablets with desktop magnifiers (Connect 12/ Mercury 13). PCs/laptops and iPads. We recently launched a national loan service for a selection of AT devices to our students in order to provide them greater access to assistive technology. For more information on this service please contact AT@childvision.ie
For enquiries please contact readingservices@childvision.ie
library catalogue
