Who Qualifies?
Who Can Join
In order for you to become a Bookshare® member, an expert must confirm that you have a print disability that severely inhibits or prevents you from reading traditional print materials. Anyone in the world with a qualifying print disability may join Bookshare.
| A person who is blind or has low vision and who is unable to read standard print qualifies for Bookshare as long as a competent authority confirms that the person is legally blind or has a significant problem accessing text. Examples of Competent Authorities:
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| A person with a physical disability who is unable to read standard print qualifies for Bookshare as long as a competent authority confirms that the physical disability significantly interferes with reading.Examples of Competent Authorities:
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| A person with a learning disability such as dyslexia qualifies for Bookshare as long as a competent authority confirms that the learning disability significantly interferes with reading.Examples of Competent Authorities:
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Who Doesn't Automatically Qualify?
People with disabilities such as:
- autism
- intellectual disabilities
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- hearing loss
- dysgraphia
- dyscalculia
and people whose first language is not English DO NOT QUALIFY ON THESE CRITERIA ALONE under the laws and agreements that determine Bookshare eligibility.
However, it is quite possible that a person with one or more of these disabilities could still qualify for Bookshare because of an accompanying print disability. For example, a person who is both deaf and blind, or who has ADHD and significant dyslexia, could qualify.
Frequently Asked Qualifications Questions
For more information on Bookshare's qualifications, read the frequently asked qualifications questions in the Help Center.