US education

We are committed to enabling learners of any age, ability, and zip code to thrive and succeed. Approximately 20% of the student population in the United States is estimated to have a learning difference. We support and have schools in every state in America that depend on us, serving students in all sorts of schooling; public, charter, private, religious or at home.

Together we can make education happen

Millions of students across the United States struggle to read and learn. They may experience challenges due to a learning difference, like dyslexia. Alternatively, they may encounter barriers to accessing their textbooks due to a visual impairment or physical disability. It is our goal to eliminate these barriers to education and literacy through accessible ebooks and materials.

Having access to digital textbooks via Bookshare is a game changer. It can take a student from feeling ‘I’m so dumb because I can’t read’ to ‘I can learn in other ways and I am just as smart as those other kids.

Mary M., Occupational Therapist, Tantasqua Regional School District, MA

Bookshare: A free service for all US schools and students

Benetech’s Bookshare initiative operates at scale, serving schools and school districts across all 50 states, to provide students with reading barriers the books that they need to learn in accessible formats. Our Bookshare service has millions of books in braille, audio, and other customizable formats. Students use Bookshare to access grade level content and learn in ways that work for them. Thanks to funding from the US Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs, Bookshare is a free service for all schools and students.

Reading doesn’t come easily to everyone, and tools embedded in Bookshare make a powerful difference for students with reading challenges. This support allows families to reinforce learning beyond the regular school day.

Vince E, Director, AT Services, Harford County Public Schools, MD

Explore Bookshare

Born accessible educational content

Digital content is on the rise in classrooms across the country, but unfortunately, not all digital content is accessible to students with disabilities and learning differences. Benetech’s Global Certified Accessible (GCA) program is changing the digital publishing landscape to help publishers create accessible educational materials that are born accessible for all students. Teachers, administrators, and procurement specialists can trust that content with the GCA seal is certified accessible.

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Advancing education in literacy

Literacy is an equity and social justice issue. To ensure that all children have the chance to reach their potential, regardless of their socioeconomic status, it is imperative that they receive tools to read and learn. Reading unlocks the ability to achieve success in school and in life. Learn more about our public-private partnership to reduce barriers to obtaining vital reading and literacy supports.

Students with reading disabilities who use text-to-speech tools such as Bookshare have higher self-esteem, more independent academic functioning, access to grade-level materials, greater remediation effects, and more success in school..

Kirsten K., AT Director, Redwood Literacy, IL

Trusted by learners and educators

“Benetech’s credibility as a nonprofit focused on empowering social change is unique among the tech community. Their scalable technology solutions are recognized as driving real, sustainable social impact.”

Kevin Lo, President, Genalyte, Inc.

“I remember thinking that I would never learn how to read, but Bookshare put me in my own world, and I found that this is how everybody feels when they read.”

Emery Lower, Bookshare user(student and adult).

“It is my hope that all people with reading disabilities such as dyslexia are able to use Bookshare to succeed in the classroom and become lifelong learners.”

Brian Meersma, Bookshare user(student and adult).

Our partners

We bridge the gap between Silicon Valley innovation and the social sector, fostering collaboration with nonprofits, government agencies, community organizations, and corporate partners to scale impactful solutions.