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Have you heard of Learning Ally?
I first became aware of this wonderful organization back in 2000 when my son’s struggle with Tourette’s syndrome and dyslexia made it difficult for him to focus on text. Back then, the organization was known as Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, but in 2011 they became simply Learning Ally.
Learning Ally is a non-profit organization committed to helping dyslexic, blind, and visually impaired students thrive. They understand that for some kids, reading struggles hinder learning.
They have made it their mission to help remove the barriers that hold kids back by providing them with audiobooks. Audiobooks help kids experience the many benefits of consuming text, but without the struggle of reading.
Learning Ally’s online library includes a huge selection of human-narrated textbooks and literature for readers of all ages that can be downloaded and listened to on most computers, smartphones, and tablets. I am grateful to Learning Ally for giving my son access to text that he was unable to read fluently when he was a child. He enjoyed many great books and was able to grow in vocabulary and background knowledge because of the work that Learning Ally does.
An annual membership that provides access to all the services that Learning Ally offers costs $135*. But not just anyone can qualify for these services. In order to comply with federal copyright law, Learning Ally is able to produce audiobooks only by documenting that their members have disabilities. And because only children who have a documented learning disability, visual impairment, or physical disability can receive assistance from Learning Ally, verification of the disability must accompany a membership request.
*Use promotional code CERTREG2 to receive 20% off on your Learning Ally membership. However, please note that when we refer you for a Learning Ally membership, you will automatically receive 20% off your initial membership with no promotional code needed.
If you suspect that your child has dyslexia, a referral can be obtained through a special educator. And guess what? That’s us!
We would love to recommend your child for Learning Ally, on the condition that we can verify that your child is dyslexic or has a reading disability. To find out whether or not your child is eligible for this service, please fill out our Symptoms of Dyslexia Screening Checklist.
After filling out the checklist, save the PDF to your computer and then submit the checklist to us.
When you submit the checklist, please include your child’s name, age, your name, email address, and telephone number. After receiving your checklist, we will determine if your child qualifies and will submit the “Proof of Disability” form to Learning Ally on your behalf. Contact us if you have any questions.
Please Note: Learning Ally is for U.S. residents only
Although we are able to provide referrals for membership with Learning Ally, we are not associated with their organization. Please contact Learning Ally directly for all inquiries related to Learning Ally’s products and services.
Resources like Learning Ally have been a lifesaver for so many families like mine. But even great resources are not intended to take the place of a comprehensive reading program. If your child is struggling with reading, it is essential that he receive explicit reading instruction. All About Reading and All About Spelling have become the go-to curriculum resource for scores of families who want to help their children become better readers and spellers, whether or not they have dyslexia. Because even if your child doesn’t have a documented reading disability, he or she will benefit from the multisensory, no-gaps approach that makes our programs so special.
Does your family have any favorite audio books, either through Learning Ally or other sources?
Carmen
says:I am a Worldwide Special Education Teacher for the Department of Defense Schools. My caseload consists of 21 students with special needs, most with Learning disabilities affecting their reading, spelling, and writing. They are American students whose parents are in the Armed Forces or are DoD teachers. How can you help them?
Robin
says: Customer ServiceCarmen,
We are happy to help as we can! What is it you are asking about?
If you are asking about Learning Ally, you will need to reach out to them for help. This blog post discusses Learning Ally and what it offers, and how we can help with a referral. However, we do not operate Learning Ally. Their website is https://learningally.org/.
However, if you are asking about the curriculum we produce, All About Reading and All About Spelling, we can help more directly! Both All About Reading and All About Spelling are Orton-Gillingham based. This is a proven approach for helping students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. Marie Rippel, author and creator of the programs, is a member of the International Dyslexia Association and has instructed graduate-level courses in Orton-Gillingham Literacy Training offered through Nicolet College in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. She has previously served on the Board of Directors of the Literacy Task Force in Wisconsin and tutored students for more than 20 years. Marie’s son is severely dyslexic, and being told by experts that he would never learn to read led directly to her creating All About Reading and All About Spelling. You can see a short video about her son’s story, Failure Is Not an Option.
Here are some links you may find helpful:
All About Reading – A Proven Dyslexia Reading Program
Six Ways to Make Spelling Easy
12 Reasons Teachers Love All About Reading and All About Spelling
Kelly
says:Hello from Canada,
I am still hoping to get access to human-read audiobooks through Learning Ally. Sadly, Learning Ally is not available outside the US due to copyright issues. I recently came across CELA in Canada which works through the public library system. The US based Bookshare offers access to their audiobooks through CELA. CELA is required to confirm that a diagnosis of the individuals print disability. Maybe this is possible for Learning Ally? Maybe working with Bookshare?
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI would love to help you, Kelly, but you will need to reach out to Learning Ally directly regarding this. We recommend Learning Ally as a great resource, but they are a separate organization.
Dorothy Odierno
says:Child on s Struggling with comprehension and reading she’s going into the fourth grade and she needs help she’s autistic but very high functioning does your organization cover that she may be dyslexic I don’t know I thought she was she write her numbers back backwards so maybe she could be tested I need your input thank you very much
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceDorothy,
We have a blog post on Teaching Reading and Spelling to Children with Autism that you may find helps. Our Dyslexia Resources page should also be helpful. It includes a Symptoms of Dyslexia Checklist and other reports and articles.
We don’t perform testing, but we can answer questions and help. If you would prefer to speak by phone, you can call us at 715-477-1976.
Robyn
says:Any recommendations for non-US citizens? I have a subscription to audible but I’m wondering if there are other options in Canada.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceRobyn,
I just do not know if there is anything like Learning Ally in Canada or other locations. I think you may find the organization Learning Disabilities Association of Canada a helpful resource. In addition, speak with a local librarian for audiobook resources as well.
I’m sorry I’m not more help.
Kate Strickland
says:My grandson is USA military child. He lives overseas. Attends American school. We have documents and dx from the psychologist, examiner specializing in Dyslexia. His school follows through with the accommodations given by the above 2 professionals. I am a certified teacher, trained in O-G who requests Learning Ally
My daughter was told he would not qualify for Learning Ally because he loves abroad!!! How would that disqualify him from that?? Please explain and help us.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceKate,
You will need to reach out to Learning Ally directly for their official response in this situation. They may be able to help since it is an American child attending an American military school on, I assume, an American military base.
Unfortunately, U.S. copyright restrictions continue to preclude Learning Ally from being able to provide digitally produced audiobooks to applicants residing outside of the U.S. However, it’s possible this may change in the future. From Learning Ally’s Membership page, under the question, “Is membership to Learning Ally Available to those outside the United States?”
“Learning Ally understands how many people with reading deficits, visual impairments or other physical disabilities outside the United States might be interested in membership. However, Learning Ally is not offering membership outside the United State for non-U.S. citizens at this time. With the adoption of the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled Learning Ally is working on making our services available outside the U.S. Please check back periodically to see when we expand to your region.
We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you. Please contact our Customer Care department with any questions, or for additional information. We can be reached at customercare@LearningAlly.org or by calling 800.221.4792″
Suzanne Lara
says:I have left messages and haven’t heard back from you. I’d like to get information about setting up an account with you for our school
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI’m sorry you haven’t received a callback, Suzanne! Please email us at support@allaboutlearningpress.com with your phone number and I will ensure someone calls you.
Sandy Grant
says:Thanks so much for the recommendation and the referral! My son used Learning Ally to listen to the entire unabridged version of Moby Dick! He is also using it to listen to his Science Textbook this year. It is a great resource.
Holly
says:Thank you for sharing that, Sandy!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThank you for letting us know your son is making such great use of the Learning Ally audio resources, Sandy!
Nancy Quiles-Gumbs
says:What about adults with dyslexia how do you go about qualifying them?
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceGood question, Nancy. Learning Ally has an FAQ about membership that answers questions about adults.
Andrea Giammattei
says:I am interested in purchasing Learning ALLy for students in a program. Northside Center for Child Development is a non-profit CBO in Harlem. I would also like to know the cost for individual parents not from Northside who want to purchase for their child.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceWhat a great idea, Andrea!
You would need to reach out to Learning Ally directly to find the costs for an organization and individuals. We can help individuals obtain proof of disability to show they qualify for a membership, but we don’t provide memberships. Here is the link to the Learning Ally Membership page.
Kori L
says:Had not ever heard of this group!
Sunshyne
says:My son has enjoyed listening to Jonathan Park on cds. We haven’t really been successful with other audiobooks yet. This sounds like a great resource to be aware of. Thank you for sharing.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou’re welcome, Sunshyne.
Paula
says:This sounds like an amazing program! I will keep it in mind when talking to others and refer them here.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThank you for referring others to our site, Paula!
Terri Fleak
says:Just started using AAR/AAS last month. Both of my girls (ages 5 and 7) and myself absolutely love this program. I am so thankful we found a program we all like. My 7 year old struggles with enjoying school. She doesn’t fight me anymore to do language arts.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI’m so pleased to hear All About Reading and All About Spelling has helped your child to not resist Language Arts, Terri! Thank you for sharing this.
Gina
says:My son has a visual processing disorder and Learning Ally has been great!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceWonderful to hear, Gina!
Elizabeth P
says:I grew up thinking that I’m just a terrible speller. Turns out, I just hadn’t been taught the rules. I’m learning as much as my kids.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI know what you mean, Elizabeth. I’ve learned so much about English and spelling while teaching my own children!
Jamie
says:All about Reading is the best!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThank you, Jamie!
Christian
says:We love all of their programs and the support I can gain from articles and the website are so great!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThank you, Christian!
Maria Zhuravleva
says:We are on level one with my son. A lot of rules i wish i knew when i was in school. Help us both.
Jamie
says:We love all about spelling. Easy to teach and fun to learn.
Brittany Scott
says:Learning Ally is a great resource. Bookshare is also great. I am blind and these two resources are wonderful.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThank you for the recommendation, Brittany!
Elizabeth H.
says:This is very cool that you are able to help refer people to this. Does needing/receiving vision therapy quality as a vision disability? My son has convergence issues and is currently in vision therapy (but I don’t think that he is dyslexic)
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceElizabeth,
Yes, a child with convergence issues and currently in vision therapy would be eligible. However, you would need to have the form filled out by his therapist. You can download the form on the Learning Ally Eligibility page. It would be under “option #2.”
Kristen
says:What a great resource- thanks for sharing!
Francisco
says:I am in my twenties and I have really hard time ready books in my level I can only read books in 5 grade level.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI’m sorry to hear that, Francisco. Often older students struggle to read fully and confidently because they missing foundational skills and concepts that can unlock reading. Our All About Reading and All About Spelling programs have been used successfully with adults. If you have a friend or family member willing to work with you regularly, I would recommend giving it a try. Let me know if you would like more information.
Vighnesh
says:hello every one,
i am Vighnesh from India.
i am perceiving bachelor of science with Physics.
so here i don’t have accessible books.
so want to be a member in Learning Ally, Can I be?
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceVighnesh,
I’m sorry, no. A person must reside in the US to be eligible for Learning Ally. From Learning Ally’s site: “Regrettably, U.S. copyright restrictions continue to preclude us from being able to provide digitally produced audiobooks to applicants residing outside of the U.S.”
louise tyson
says:can this be accessed in uk?
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceLouise,
I’m sorry, no.
From Learning Ally’s site: “Regrettably, U.S. copyright restrictions continue to preclude us from being able to provide digitally produced audiobooks to applicants residing outside of the U.S. Additionally, Learning Ally does not provide school or institutional memberships for foreign-based institutions.”
Aubrey
says:I have a student who has been using Learning Ally for many years. He has a login through a contract that our district has. He is graduating and will be attending college. Are there programs that can help the family obtain Learning Ally for him to use in college?
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceAubrey,
I encourage you to contact Learning Ally directly to ask them. Their website is https://learningally.org/.
In addition, speak with the college he will be attending. My son’s school had its own resource for audiobook textbooks.
Ariel
says:Hi, can non English speaking persons donate to learning ally
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceAriel,
You will need to contact Learning Ally directly to find out what services they have. The website is https://learningally.org/
Rachael Schmidt
says:My son has already been diagnosed w Dyslexia and adhd and I have documentation and he does receive IEP and a 504 services through his school. My sons teacher recommended this program especially since he currently social distancing from school and needs to do work at home.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceRachel,
It sounds like you have what you need to get a Learning Ally membership for your son. You can do that through their website, https://learningally.org/
However, you might be interested in our Dyslexia Resources.
Let me know if you need anything from All About Learning Press.
Rhonda
says:Can Learning Ally be used as a school library resource? There are so many non-readers in my school. They would love to read along with stories.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceRhonda,
You would need to contact Learning Ally regarding this and other questions. We can aid individuals in getting proof of disability for a student so they can get a membership, but we are not directly involved with Learning Ally’s resources.
Sandra Campbell
says:Does a significant TBI qualify for Learning Ally?
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceSandra,
I think a traumatic brain injury would qualify for Learning Ally. Their Eligibility page doesn’t specifically mention TBI, but it does mention “physical disability” and I think it would qualify under that. The physician verification form, available on the Eligibility page, doesn’t even ask what the disability is. It is just the person’s physician filling out that they deem the person will benefit from reading accommodation.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have further questions.