Reading opens doors to imagination, learning and confidence. For children and young people with visual impairment, accessible books help make sure those doors are open to everyone. There are now more ways than ever to enjoy stories. Books can be read in braille or large print, explored through touch, or listened to through audio. All of these formats support literacy and a lifelong love of reading.
This blog shares some of the key services available to help children and families access books in ways that work for them.
Why reading matters
Reading supports learning, communication and emotional wellbeing. It helps children understand the world around them and express their own thoughts and feelings. Sharing books also builds strong relationships. Reading together can be just as important as learning to read independently, especially for younger children. There is no single correct way to read. Listening to stories, using tactile books or following along with audio are all valid and valuable ways to engage with books. Reading is not only about education. It can reduce stress, support mental health and help children feel included in conversations with their peers.
Accessible reading services
Living Paintings
Living Paintings offers a free postal library for children and young adults who are blind or partially sighted. Their collection includes tactile and braille books with audio. Many titles include sound effects, music and interviews with authors, which help bring stories to life. Children can borrow books by post and return them for free. Learn more about Living Paintings.
ClearVision
ClearVision provides books with print, pictures and braille in the same format. This allows visually impaired children to read with parents, siblings and friends. The library includes thousands of titles for all ages. They also have a collection of especially made tactile picture books, a small but varied selection of ‘easy readers’ for older children and teenagers. Membership is free and books are sent through the post. Learn more about ClearVision.
RNIB Talking Books
RNIB Talking Books offers a large free audiobook library. There are thousands of children’s and young adult titles available. Books can be listened to on smartphones, tablets or specialist players. This is helpful for independent reading as well as shared listening. Learn more about RNIB Talking Books.
Calibre Audio
Calibre Audio provides free audiobooks to under 25’s, or people using the USB service, who have visual impairments. Their collection includes fiction, non-fiction and educational titles. Books can be downloaded or sent on CD or USB. This service supports both leisure reading and school work. Learn more about Calibre Audio.
Bookshare
Bookshare is a large online accessible library. It offers hundreds of thousands of books in audio, large print and braille-ready formats. Schools and VI professionals can register children so they can access reading materials quickly and independently. Learn more about Bookshare.
CustomEyes from Guide Dogs
CustomEyes produces large print and adapted books for children and young people up to the age of 25. Each one is custom-made, with font size, spacing, colour and more all tailored to your child’s personal needs.This includes school textbooks, revision guides and popular fiction. The service helps ensure students can access the same learning materials as their peers. Learn more about CustomEyes.
Local libraries and community services
Many local libraries now offer accessible reading services. These include large print books, audiobooks and digital libraries. Some councils provide home delivery services for people who cannot visit the library in person. Library staff can also help families find suitable resources.
Technology and digital reading
Many schools now use assistive technology to support reading. This includes screen readers, text-to-speech software and digital learning platforms that make printed material more accessible. E-books and reading apps also play an important role. Font size, colour contrast and audio features can be adjusted to suit individual needs. Digital access means children can often get books instantly, without waiting for postal services.
World Book Day
World Book Day continues to provide free book tokens for children through schools. Many of the selected titles are now available in accessible formats such as audio, large print and braille. More publishers are now producing inclusive formats as standard, making accessibility part of normal publishing rather than a special request. See the accessible World Book Day reads.
Supporting young readers
Try to make reading part of everyday life. Even a short daily routine can help build confidence and enjoyment. Offer different formats and let children choose what interests them. Motivation is often more important than reading level. Celebrate progress in all forms, whether a child listens to a full audiobook, explores a tactile story, or reads independently for the first time.