Learning Ally

What a wonderful mission: To make reading accessible to all.
This studio records audio books for individuals who are blind, dyslexic, or have other learning differences. The unique thing about the books produced here is the human voice on the recordings (as opposed to a computer-​simulated voice). Volunteers go into a soundproof booth and read the original books aloud, recording themselves as they go. (
)
I have been volunteering here as a reader for 4 years, since January 2009. I also served on the Board of Directors until very recently. Over that time I have observed the staff’s hard work and dedication. They are always friendly and helpful and make the studio a fun place to be.
As a reader I have noticed all sorts of books at the studio. Since Learning Ally’s members request books that they want read with a human voice, there is a wide variety of material. I learn something new pretty much every time I go in to record. How could you not, with all the different types of books being requested? Here is a sample of books in the studio:
* Novels
* Instructional books on nutrition and health
* Plays
* Psychology of sexuality — This gets really interesting, especially if you have a director listening along as you read.
* History textbooks — These are usually high-​school or college level and above.
* C++ and advanced math — Only readers with a specialty in these fields can and should read these… books full of pure code are pretty intense. I stick to the other areas myself.
* And more! (
)
For those of you thinking, «I don’t really like hearing my voice out loud,» there are various volunteer roles including:
1. Readers — This usually also involves self-​directing and recording in the booth. (
)
2. Directors — Most readers record themselves nowadays, but some readers still ask for a director.
3. QC — Quality control is important to ensure audio books are being recorded correctly. A sample size of each session recorded by each reader is reviewed.
4. Book Copy — Special instructions for readers/​directors need to be transferred to all copies in the studio.
Learning Ally is a wonderful place to give back to the community. For more info, visit either:
— Learning Ally website for Palo Alto (
) or
— GoVoluntr, which is a Unilocal affiliate (
).

It wasn’t until I broke my ankle that I realized how few volunteer opportunities were out there that didn’t require you to be standing or moving around. Enter RFB&D, which turned out to be something that I originally chose upon practicality (i.e., I could sit while volunteering), but ended up being a surprise gift wrt how great this place is. What a wonderful cause to support, and the staff & fellow volunteers are awesome!
Not only are you helping a great cause, but you get educated about different topics yourself. For instance, the past couple of times I’ve volunteered, I’ve read about US political fundraising & also about Postmodern art. The next time someone wants to throw down discussion on Jasper Jackson, Dadaism or Fluxus at cocktail hour, watch out. Bring it.

I can’t believe that no one has reviewed this business. Sure, it’s not your mainstream retail site. You won’t be able to walk in and purchase a latte or a stylin’ pair of jeans, but this business has been in Palo Alto for many decades and the fact is they are truly a collective of the «good guys!»
RFB&D is one reason why many individuals with learning challenges are able to learn and excel in life!
This is an organization that operates on primarily volunteer effort. I’ve been volunteering for several years there and really get a charge out of the work. Not only do they have a great staff, they have volunteers of all ages who read a wide selection of really interesting books, while learning the skills of recording engineering and quality control.
The reason I came online today to write about these awesome people is that they are currently very much in need of readers who are strong in science and math. Of course any and all readers are welcome, but if you particularly enjoy science and math, your participation would be greatly appreciated.
This is a national organization, but we’re just lucky to have one of their operational sites right here in town. This is a great way for you to make a difference in the world!