Off to the Races with Bookshare

For Will, a junior at the Alabama School for the Blind, Bookshare has been the ultimate game-changer. Following brain tumor surgery at the age of four, Will lost his eyesight. Living in rural Alabama, resources to help Will with his reading were scarce. But everything changed when he was introduced to Bookshare. In Will’s mind, he was “off to the races.”

Bookshare gave him access to books ranging from Alabama Moon to Johnny Cash’s autobiography, all of which were available in Braille display, making a difference inside the classroom and at home.

Will’s grades have improved, and he’s actively engaged with learning in ways he

never imagined possible:

“Because of Benetech, I’m not just completing

assignments, I’ve got a seat at the table for the conversation now too.”

With his newfound passion for reading, Will has “productive leisure time.” Now, washing the dishes means a chance to dive into a new book. With over 300 books read already, Will’s world has opened up in ways he once thought impossible. Bookshare has given him more than an education, it’s given him independence, possibility, and hope.