Don Johnston Releases Read:OutLoud University Edition

Don Johnston released its new Read:OutLoud University Edition e-book reader. The Read:OutLoud University Edition e-book reader is accessible reading software to help individuals and post-secondary students with disabilities navigate the latest e-books and textbooks and hear text read aloud. 

It also includes an accessible Web browser and helpful study tools to perform research online and prepare for exams.

"Digital text is giving students with disabilities more opportunities to learn and excel in K-12 and post-secondary education," said Ben Johnston, director of marketing at Don Johnston, in a statement. "As more publishers create digital textbooks and college professors assign online content, students with disabilities can use Read:OutLoud to keep pace with class projects and show their true potential at school and at work."

The Read:OutLoud University Edition e-book reader comes at a time when government and disability advocates are urging equitable and timely access to curriculum for students with disabilities. This technology will read the e-books in formats that include RTF, TXT, XML and HTML files, open-source content, and Bookshare files. The software will open DAISY 3.0 and PDF files without conversion. Students will enjoy the quality text-to-speech and study tools, such as highlighters, smart bookmarks, direct links to Google's online dictionary, and a bibliographer to cite sources in both APA and MLA styles. Members of Bookshare will have one-click access to 72,000 accessible books, journals, and periodicals.

University and college Disability Student Service offices can save time, money, and paperwork through a Read:OutLoud University Edition Campus-Wide License. This license allows for installation on every campus computer and individual student laptops. The software runs on Mac OS 10.4+, Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7. Campus licenses start at $2,999 for total school enrollments of less than 10,000 or $4,999 for enrollments of more than 10,000. Single licenses cost $319. An online demo and 'Train in 30' tutorial get students and staff using the eBook reader fast.