Accessing the Print World Part II: Strategies for Life, Living Well with Vision Loss
Renee Man, Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
July 1, 2008
Public libraries play an essential role in having an educated and literate society. Many of us borrow popular fiction as well as educational materials. But what if you can’t read print? What if you are blind or visually impaired? What if you have a learning disability? Perhaps you are physically unable to hold a book or turn the pages.
People who are unable to use printed materials for these reasons are eligible for the free services from the Library of Congress National Library Service for the Blind & Physically Handicapped network of cooperating libraries. In Massachusetts, this would be through the Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library (BTBL). This special public library makes print accessible in a variety of ways.
The Perkins library loans books on cassette tape (Talking Books), in large print and in braille. You may choose from a wide array of subjects, as you would do in any library, ranging from classics to best sellers to poetry. There are also books in several foreign languages. The collection contains material for all ages, from preschool to adult. In addition, dozens of magazines are offered on tape and in braille. You may subscribe to popular news, sports, science, women’s, and general interest magazines.
There is no charge for the service. However, eligible readers must register to receive the special cassette player needed to play the Talking Books. The machine is loaned as part of the program. All materials and equipment are delivered by mail, postage-free.
Perhaps you miss reading the newspaper. The library administers Newsline, a system that uses computerized speech to provide registered patrons access to listen to newspapers and magazines via telephone. Over 250 daily newspapers from all across the country (and many in New England) and several magazines are available.
The BTBL has recently expanded into new and exciting areas. The large print book collection continues to grow and you may now choose from thousands of titles. In addition to books, magazines, and newspapers, you may borrow audio described movies to play on your VCR or DVD. Current movies, classics and documentaries are among the choices. Audio description provides narration of the visual aspects of a film, such as facial expressions, costumes, and settings. The narration comes during natural pauses in the dialogue of the movie and helps to provide a better understanding of the film.
The Perkins library also offers downloadable digital books to patrons through the Unabridged Program. This service allows you to independently check out and download books to your computer or MP3 player. The library provides training for this new service.
The Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library, and similar libraries throughout New England, offer many ways to access the print world and beyond. To find out about eligibility guidelines, for local contact information in your state or for more information, contact the library at 617-972-7240, 1-800-852-3133, or by email at library@perkins.org. You will also find a wealth of information on the Web at www.perkinslibrary.org.
Perkins Outreach Services for Ages 55 and Older, Outreach@Perkins.org, 617-972-7643