Welcome to the Winnetka Rotary Literacy Projects Blog

Our literacy committee blog shares information about our Rotary literacy projects and events associated with sharing access to the many different ways in which people read. Some access reading the "traditional" way, some have computers read books, Internet pages, newspapers, and other print material. Our goal is to make the "written word" accessible to every person of every age and ability.

Please come back to find out about our past, present, and future projects.

What is the impact of illiteracy?

Illiteracy causes more harm than merely having a reduced ability to read and write. Illiteracy causes entire families to remain isolated from the everyday fabric of their local and global communities, to remain isolated from inspiration acquired by "enough education," and to remain isolated from a means to share history beyond the reaches of their spoken word.
----Dr. Jeanne Beckman

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Phase 1: Text to Speech Software Delivered to Library

In December, the Winnetka, Illinois library received the first loan of Kurzweil3000 text to speech software and a scanner for library patrons to use. This delivery included:
  • One network version of Kurzweil 3000 Color Professional
  • Four network versions of Kurzweil 3000 Learn Stations
  • A new scanner with document feeder donated to the Rotary project by Jeanne Beckman
Since the software is installed on the network, all library computers connected to the library network could be capable of providing accessible reading for those with vision difficulties or reading challenges. Headphones will be available for private listening to Internet or other digital text while viewing the text on the computer screen.

Volunteers from the Winnetka Rotary, as well as other organizations and individuals, are invited to learn about using this software as well as to find out about volunteer opportunities of scanning books for those who need accommodated access to the written word. Scanning is as simple as pressing a button for a copying machine! For information, you are invited to contact Jeanne Beckman at techpsych@techpsychologist.com or telephone 847-446-1251
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