How to submit proof of disability

Why am I required to submit proof of disability?

Bookshare operates under an amendment to the US copyright law. This amendment allows Bookshare to distribute copies of previously published works in accessible formats exclusively for the use of someone who struggles to read standard print. Individual Members are required to submit proof of disability before they can read copyrighted materials. There are several methods for providing Proof of Disability, including reciprocal agreements with Learning Ally and NLS, as well as completing the Bookshare Proof of Disability Form.

Reciprocal Agreements:

National Library Service Members and Learning Ally Members can provide proof of disability following these instructions:

National Library Service Members:

  1. Log into your Bookshare Account
  2. Go to the My Bookshare Page
  3. Select My Account
  4. Select the Submit POD Link
  5. Complete the online NLS Verification form.

Learning Ally Members:

  1. Log into your Bookshare Account
  2. Go to the My Bookshare Page
  3. Select My Account
  4. Select the Submit POD Link
  5. Complete the online Learning Ally Disability Verification form.

Bookshare's Proof of Disability form:

If you do not have a membership to either Learning Ally or NLS, please following these steps to submit your proof of disability which will enable you to access copyrighted material:

  1. Log into your Bookshare account.
  2. You will see a "Submit POD" link. (If this link does not appear for you, check your My Account page to determine if your Proof of Disability has already been processed. If it has been processed, your membership is complete and your Proof of Disability has been verified and completed.)
  3. Select the link to download a personalized form.
  4. Have the form signed by a qualified professional who can attest that you struggle to read standard printed text.
  5. Either you, or the qualified professional should scan and attach the completed form in an email to POD@bookshare.org

Alternate method for submitting the Proof of Disability Form:

If the qualifying professional cannot accessibly sign the Proof of Disability Form, please follow these instructions:

  1. Download the Proof of Disability form as detailed above. If you cannot download it, please use this blank one.
  2. Fill out all of the required fields on the digital Proof of Disability form.
  3. The qualified professional should send an email to POD@bookshare.org from an email account associated with their professional organization. The email must include the Proof of Disability form as an attachment, as well as the following language in the body of the email:
  4. I attest, under penalty of perjury, that the applicant has a visual, perceptual, learning, reading, or other physical disability that limits their ability to effectively use standard print and that I have the professional qualifications to make such a determination and/or have legal access through my organization to existing written documentation attesting to this fact.
  5. Qualifying Professional Name:
  6. Qualifying Professional Title:

The Proof of Disability form must be attached to the email, even though it will not be signed with a wet signature. This provides the necessary proof to our auditors that the qualified professional clearly understands what they verified.

Once the Customer Service team receives the email, they will approve your account as quickly as possible so that you can begin accessing Bookshare books. NOTE: The Customer Service Team cannot process the proof of disability unless the completed, unsigned formed is attached.

If you need additional assistance, please email POD@bookshare.org or Contact Us.