From Dyslexia to Driving Change: How Bookshare Shaped Brian’s Path to Microsoft

Benetech is proud to celebrate the impact of its long-time Bookshare user, Brian Meersma, whose journey from struggling student to Senior Product Manager at Microsoft illustrates the transformative power of accessibility. Bookshare, a Benetech initiative, helps level the playing field for students with reading barriers by providing accessible eBooks and empowering them to learn independently. Brian’s story is a shining example of how access, not ability, can define success.

Diagnosed with severe dyslexia at a young age, Brian faced an uphill battle in school. He relied on his family to read aloud his textbooks, and as coursework grew more complex, keeping up became nearly impossible. He loved to learn—but accessing the material on his own was a constant struggle. That all changed when he discovered Bookshare.

Empowered by Access

In high school, biology was one of Brian’s most difficult classes—not because he didn’t grasp the concepts, but because he couldn’t read the textbook in a format that worked for him. “I couldn’t study independently,” he recalls. “I had to wait for someone to read it to me, and that meant falling behind.” With Bookshare, Brian could finally control the pace of his own learning. He absorbed content more effectively, engaged in class discussions, and—most importantly—gained confidence.

Through consistent use of Bookshare, Brian was able to strengthen his reading skills and thrive alongside his peers. “It gave me the ability to focus on understanding rather than decoding,” he explains. Access to the same books as his classmates helped level the playing field and gave Brian the tools he needed to succeed in school.

Academic Success and a New Mission

In college, Brian continued using Bookshare while pursuing a reading-intensive major. With the right tools in place, he excelled, ultimately graduating at the top of his class. His academic success wasn’t a surprise—it was proof that his earlier struggles weren’t about capability, but about access.

Now a Senior Product Manager at Microsoft, Brian focuses on designing technology that’s more accessible for people with disabilities. His experience with Bookshare didn’t just help him succeed in school—it shaped his career and ignited his passion for accessibility. “Bookshare was the turning point. It showed me what was possible,” he says.

Paying It Forward

Brian is now committed to helping others overcome the same challenges he faced. He runs a blog focused on assistive technology tools, speaks to audiences across the country, and advocates for stronger dyslexia-related legislation at the state and federal levels. One standout moment for him was reading the biography of Steve Jobs on the same day it was released—something he never thought would be possible. Thanks to Bookshare’s publisher partnerships, the book was available immediately in an accessible format.

“For the first time, I wasn’t left waiting. I experienced what it’s like to read something at the same time as everyone else. That was a powerful moment I’ll never forget.”

Brian’s journey is not just one of personal resilience—it’s a testament to what can happen when the right tools are available at the right time.

Advice to Students and Supporters

For students with dyslexia or other reading barriers, Brian offers this encouragement:

“Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t learn. With the right support, you can thrive—and Bookshare is one of the most powerful tools out there to help you do just that.”

His message to educators and policymakers is equally clear: “Accessibility is not optional. It’s essential. We need to make sure every student has access to the materials they need—when they need them.”

To learn more about Bookshare and how it supports students with reading barriers, visit www.bookshare.org.

To connect with Brian and follow his advocacy journey, visit: www.linkedin.com/in/brianmeersa