National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

The Library of Congress’ National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) Talking Books program is a free library service available to U.S. residents and citizens living abroad whose low vision, blindness, or physical handicap makes it difficult to read a standard printed page. Local cooperating libraries throughout the United States mail NLS audiobooks, magazines, and audio equipment directly to enrollees at no cost. Braille books and magazines are also available to patrons at no cost. If you or someone you know is interested in receiving Talking Books, please go to http://www.nlstalkingbooks.org/ and complete the on-line form.

Posted on June 25, 2007

NFB Newsline

Would you like a newspaper with your morning cup of coffee? NFB-NEWSLINE added its 140th newspaper in 2004 along with its first two magazines, AND it’s still growing. The service handles thousands of phone calls each day for individuals across the country who can now access daily newspapers and magazines as never before. The toll-free centralized call-in center provides service without delay to any subscriber. This also enables those who cannot read conventional print to have access to all of NFB-NEWSLINE when traveling throughout the United States.

Blind and visually impaired individuals become eligible for this free service by filling out a simple application. Soon thereafter the individual is sent his or her identification number from the headquarters of the National Federation of the Blind in Baltimore, Maryland, or from the state sponsor.

With only a touch-tone telephone, any subscriber can access the NFB-NEWSLINE. No computer is needed and no special training. After entering an ID number and security code, the system prompts new callers to make their selections. Readers press 1 for NFB-NEWSLINE News, 2 for the Local Channel, or 3 for Your State’s Newspapers, 5 for All Newspapers, 6 for Former Location (which picks up reading where you left off), or 7 for Magazines (AARP Magazine, The Economicst and The New Yorker are available).

In newspaper options, readers can choose from today’s paper, yesterday’s paper, and the Sunday paper (if one is published). For example, in the Philadelphia area, the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Daily News are available every day. National papers like the New York Times and the Washington Post are also available.

Once in the paper, readers choose the section of the newspaper they wish to read: sports, news, business section, and more. Pressing a single key on the telephone keypad will quickly move readers from one article to the next, skip ahead in the article, return to a previous article, change the speaking speed, change the reading voice, or spell out words. The keystrokes are few and easy to remember. (Your state sponsor is available to answer any questions.) Call 1-866-504-7300 or visit http://www.nfb.org/newsline1.htm to complete an on-line application.

Posted on November 30, 2005

Reading With a Magnifying Lens

Use an adjustable magnifying reading lamp. Adjust lamp, placing the magnifying lens between you and your reading material.

Posted on June 1, 2005