My first introduction to talking books was as a child listening to books with my great grandmother. Her vision loss qualified her for the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind talking book service. So when I authored Dwarfs Don’t Live in Doll Houses in 1988, I naturally gave permission to the Library of Congress to read the book for their talking book library service.
Fast forward 34 years to a marketplace that lets all readers listen to books using mobile phones, tablets, and computers. Access to audiobooks is no longer limited to people with vision impairments and audiobooks are commercially available to everyone (except those with a hearing impairment).
Want to subscribe to receive blog updates sign up today!
People with various disabilities—vision, brain, neurological, cognitive—have access to books without using their eyes to read, hands to turn pages, or mind to process written words. They are included among readers who listen to audiobooks for entertainment, relaxation, escape, and learning new things. And they listen while commuting, doing housework, exercising, and walking, among other things.
Because audiobooks are the fastest growing segment in publishing, I had two reasons for releasing Always an Advocate: Champions of Change for People with Dwarfism and Disabilities in the audiobook format—inclusion of people with disabilities and market demand.
Partnership with my friend Barry Grant Marsh, a veteran broadcaster and advertising marketing executive, made this possible. Under Barry’s tutelage, I followed the path of many nonfiction authors and narrated the book myself.
After laboring together for many months, Barry and I are thrilled to announce the publication of Always an Advocate as an audiobook. We persevered through technical challenges, medical interruptions, and learning curve issues. But with God’s help we succeeded in bringing you the opportunity to listen to this book which is endorsed by many in the disability community:
“And when a righteous voice needs to be amplified, Angela rose to the challenge time and time again. Her seemingly endless supply of energy comes from her faith in God and her love of the underdog.” ~ Bill Klein, Co-Star of TLC’s Little Couple
“Be inspired and encouraged by Angela’s determination to take on all challenges, and eventually overcome and master them with an ample dose of faith and humor.” ~ Genevieve Cousminer, Esq., former Director of the Coalition for Independent Living Options
“You will learn a lot about the challenges that dwarfs face in their everyday lives — and about the life and activism of this remarkable woman.” ~ Dan Kennedy, Author of Little People: Learning to See the World Through My Daughter’s Eyes
“I am proud to be in the same company as Angela Van Etten [who] contributed in countless ways to the advancement of the dwarfism community, the disability community, and the broader community.” ~ Gary Arnold, LPA Past President
“This book offers the reader a grand tour of local, state, and federal opportunities for advocacy. The only requirement is passion, dedication, a thick skin, patience, and a sense of humor.” ~ Jim Kay, LPA Historian
The Always An Advocate audiobook is available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes. Click on the link for more information, https://angelamuirvanetten.com/always-an-advocate/, listen to a retail sample, and get your copy today.
And One More Thing: If you’d like to receive a promo code for a free copy in exchange for a fair and honest book review, please email me at angela@angelamuirvanetten.com.
One reply on “Inclusion via Audiobooks”
This is a great option, not only because it gives so many people access, but also the opportunity to hear you tell your own story with that lovely accent!