Technology has the capacity to help improve and enrich many lives, and audio books for the blind are a prime example.

From textbooks and newspapers to magazines and best-sellers, our society is extremely visual. Added to that is the overwhelming use of computers and the internet, which are primarily visual mediums. What is taken for granted by most of us – even simply flipping through a magazine – is a struggle for those who are blind or visually impaired.

Today’s biggest technological advancements – computers and internet access – provide an opportunity to view even more information, but in a format that is difficult for those with visual impairments. Braille, of course, is one method that blind people can enjoy written language and learn. However, this tactile form of reading is expensive, making it unhelpful for many who are blind.

When audio books for blind people were developed, it opened many doors for the blind, allowing them to easily get information, hear a story, and stay updated on current events.

Mass production of audio books for the blind meant that for the first time, visually impaired individuals could go online and download a book. While it may seem simple, this allowed the first opportunity to enjoy books in an expensive or even free way.

Technology really can help improve and enhance people’s lives: in the case of audio books, it has helped blind and visually impaired individuals obtain knowledge in a way that they couldn’t just five or ten years previous.

The scope of audio books for the blind is unlimited, giving visually impaired people the ability to enjoy subjects like art, music, drama, history, economics, geography, literature, and more. This would have been unimaginable – or at least a dream – even a few years ago.

In the area of education, audio books have been particularly helpful and effective. Core subjects of reading, writing, math, and science are able to be learned through audio books, making easy access to education a right enjoyed by the blind and visually impaired.

Audio books for the blind can also be obtained simply for the pleasure of reading a story. There are thousands of books available in audio formats that can be easily accessed for enjoyment by visually impaired people, and this includes popular and contemporary authors, fiction books of all genres, and non-fiction works as well.

With all the technological advancements being made, it is easy to forget the people that are an integral part of the equation. Audio books for the blind are an example of technology at its best and most helpful.