Audio & Braille Literacy Enhancement, Inc.

ABLE - Providing alternative ways for people with print disabilities to read. Call us at 414 286 3039 or go to our website www.ablenow.org for more information. The mission of Audio & Braille Literacy Enhancement (ABLE) is to provide alternative ways for people with print disabilities to read.   ABLE transcribes printed materials into professionally produced braille and digital audio formats for thousands of people across the country who are blind, visually impaired, or have other print disabilities. ABLE's vision is that everyone will have access to the printed word because reading—in whatever form it takes—is the key to learning, growth, productivity, self-sufficiency, and full participation in one's community.  Examples of materials transcribed by ABLE include: Textbooks Daily math, science, and reading materials Math and reading assessments Adult and children's library books Brailled books for blind parents to read with their children Adult educational and professional materials Medical forms, handouts, and crucial health-related materials Brailled restaurant menus  Magazines Instruction manuals for appliances and electronic devices Milwaukee Housing Authority information Annual Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) guides Summerfest audio map and brailled program Restaurant guides and information on local happenings Bibliographies for the Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library  Motivational materials Nonfiction books on a variety of topics, including health, psychology, and international relations Fiction books not available through the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Recreational materials, including newsletters, playbills, cookbooks and knitting books.  In addition, ABLE provides a unique audio phone service, NFB-Newsline®, ABLE Channel, which allows over 2,200 people throughout Wisconsin to receive up-to-date news and information over the telephone through a synthesized voice. Examples include news articles, upcoming events and activities offered by local blindness organizations, and listings of Milwaukee area events.All of these materials—and many others—are items that sighted people generally take for granted. Those with vision loss are often denied access to this very basic information, so readily available to the sighted world.