What is DAISY audio book format?
The books within the VisAbility Library are recorded in a special format known as DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) which is a worldwide format for digital audio books for people with low or no vision.
DAISY works on the same basic principles as a standard audio book, but has additional enhanced features including:
- Embedded navigation such as search, images/graphics or skip to previous sentence, page or chapter.
- Increased sound quality – digital recording reduces background and white noise, which benefits people who have a hearing impairment. The sound quality will not deteriorate over time.
- The device will bookmark your place and pick up where you left off, when you begin to read again.
How to read DAISY books
The books are designed to play through a special digital book reader, known as a DAISY player but they can also be played through a computer or smartphone MP3 player with the correct playback software installed.
There are free and paid-for versions of playback software. We have listed some of the most popular versions below:
As our books are downloaded in zip file format, Windows users will need a program to unzip them. ZIPReader (link opens in new window) is a free program for doing this.
DAISY playback software
The following are links to DAISY digital talking book playback software for various computer systems.
Apple iOS (iPhone/iPod/iPad)
Voice Dream Reader (link opens in new window)
An iPhone/iPod/iPad reading application that supports DAISY along with a wide range of other formats. (Word, text, ePub, PDF, etc.)
Android
Kota Daisy Reader
A free DAISY reader app for Android phones. Download Kota app (link opens in new window).
How to get support
If you have a diagnosis of vision impairment, please contact our friendly team to find out what low vision services and support we can provide to you both now and into the future.
There are also a number of low vision support groups within Perth and across the state, which can connect you with like-minded people to build friendships and offer support.
If you are a provider and wish to refer a client, please use our low vision medical certificate (online referral form) to make your referral.