thanks to E.A. & Paul. It does seem that we're not quite there yet for library access to ebooks in the UK. I note that Adobe offer to tell libraries how to lend ebooks - not sure if this would clear our copyright laws. "Right to read" doesn't seem to mention ebooks explicitly - perhaps its in the small print. Barry Barry Taylor, Clinical Scientist Medical Physics Department Tulley Medical Physics Building, Hull Royal Infirmary Anlaby Road, Hull HU3 2JZ Tel 01482 675928, fax 01482 675750 [log in to unmask] -----Original Message----- From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals. [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of E.A. Draffan Sent: 21 April 2006 15:16 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: ebooks You are right and I suppose the only option is to go to a Bookshare.org type outfit and do it through a friend in USA! Sadly we cannot access their books only the O'Reillly computer text books! Revealweb has a database of many books that have already been scanned http://www.revealweb.org.uk/ but otherwise it is a case of joining a club or signing up to a web site. . It rather depends on the type of books that are required. Sometimes it is not possible to get the latest print copies from a lending library anyway but an e-book version is available from WH Smith! The Right to Read Campaign is working with the publishers now in the hope that electronic copies will be available automatically and hopefully libraries will have access to these versions as well as print ones. I suppose it is a case of trawling through several sites and I regret to say that would take time but here are some for starters US based freebies at http://www.gutenberg.org/ http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/ebooks/ http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/ http://www.visionww.org/library.htm All sorts http://www.omduena.com/google/ebooks.html UK link http://www.e-learningcentre.co.uk/eclipse/vendors/ebooks.htm Best Wishes E.A. Mrs E.A. Draffan Assistive Technologist Mobile: 07976 289103 http://www.emptech.info -----Original Message----- From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Taylor, Barry Sent: 21 April 2006 14:07 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: ebooks As far as I can see the act doesn't help if an ebook is already commercially available. Am I right? Are any charities providing an ebook lending service? Barry Barry Taylor, Clinical Scientist Medical Physics Department Tulley Medical Physics Building, Hull Royal Infirmary Anlaby Road, Hull HU3 2JZ Tel 01482 675928, fax 01482 675750 [log in to unmask] -----Original Message----- From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals. [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of E.A. Draffan Sent: 21 April 2006 12:24 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: reading aid Would he not qualify under the revisions to the Copyright (Visual impairment) Act http://www.rnib.org.uk/xpedio/groups/public/documents/PublicWebsite/public_C VIPsAct2002.hcsp which takes in physical impairment so that e-books etc could be sourced through the various charities and Reveal web etc. If the thimble idea is a good one, there are relatively cheap ones here http://www.1north.co.uk/page/1/CTGY/1899012 Best Wishes E.A. Mrs E.A. Draffan Assistive Technologist Mobile: 07976 289103 http://www.emptech.info -----Original Message----- From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Taylor, Barry Sent: 21 April 2006 11:49 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: reading aid Thanks to all. It looks like the rubber thimble on a hand strap might be a runner. The only ones I'd seen were made circa 1940 & had lost their stickiness! New ones work quite well, don't they? BTW The client just pointed out that as he used to read around 4 books a week, using ebooks would be quite a cost. ebook library anyone? Barry Barry Taylor, Clinical Scientist Medical Physics Department Tulley Medical Physics Building, Hull Royal Infirmary Anlaby Road, Hull HU3 2JZ Tel 01482 675928, fax 01482 675750 [log in to unmask] -----Original Message----- From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals. [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Dave Thompson Sent: 21 April 2006 11:41 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: reading aid Why not a rubber thimble on his finger? Me -----Original Message----- From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Daniel Chris Sent: 21 April 2006 10:26 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: reading aid Barry If the client has gross motor control, could he also hold a stick with a rubber finger-stall on the end? This will turn most pages or sheets of paper as bank clerks have known for years. If he cannot hold a stick could one be placed on a head mounted wand? Not necessarily stylish bed-time wear but functional nevertheless. Chris -----Original Message----- From: Taylor, Barry [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: 21 April 2006 10:09 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: reading aid Dear all Has anyone come up with a simple strategy for page turning? My client has peripheral nerve damage & thus no finger control. Gross arm movements are fine. Automatic page turners have been rejected because of their size - he just wants to read a paperback when he goes to bed! I'm sure we can come up with a book holder, but its picking up a page which is difficult. Barry Barry Taylor, Clinical Scientist Medical Physics Department Tulley Medical Physics Building, Hull Royal Infirmary Anlaby Road, Hull HU3 2JZ Tel 01482 675928, fax 01482 675750 [log in to unmask] ************************************************************************ *********** Privileged or Confidential Information may be contained in this message If you are not the addressee indicated in the message or responsible for delivery of the message to that person, you may not copy or deliver this message to anyone. If this is the case, you should destroy this message, and notify us immediately. 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