All volunteers will be working with computers and specialized software. If you will be a virtual volunteer, working from home, you will need to provide the audio equipment and have a suitable working environment for careful listening and/or recording. All volunteer opportunities require various levels of training which will be provided by Learning Ally, either virtually or at one of our studios.

Readers must enjoy reading and feel comfortable reading aloud. Readers are auditioned and voices evaluated for vocal clarity and a natural delivery of the text. Before becoming a reader, volunteers undergo training and practice in the other roles of production so that they have an intuitive understanding of our standards and best practices.

Readers with a degree or professional experience in an advanced study like mathematics, science, medicine, law, etc. may be invited to join specialized reading teams that focus solely on these topics after their initial reading training is complete.

Quality Control Checkers carefully listen to the recorded audio and ensure that it is of the highest quality. Checkers may edit files to improve quality or provide feedback to readers for “retakes.” All new volunteers will spend time working as checkers to learn how to create the best product for our borrowers.

Book planners set up the book files that volunteers will use in recording and checking. They may also pre-script descriptions of images and map complicated page layouts so that readers and checkers can focus on producing a quality recording.

Volunteer opportunities don’t begin and end with audiobooks. You can support our mission by becoming an advocate, helping us to reach out to parents, schools, and students and informing them about what Learning Ally can do to help them succeed. Contribute to our fundraising efforts personally or through your business or simply share what you know about Learning Ally with friends, family, and coworkers.