Services For The Visually & Physically Impaired

The library provides equipment, media formats, and services to help provide access to people with visual and/or physical impairments.

Equipment

Computers:

The library has accessible technologies on two public internet computers and one library catalogue computer.

The catalogue computer has a large screen, allowing print to be enlarged to assist people with low vision, it also utilizes Zoomtext software which 'reads' the text on the screen.

The internet computers are located in the adult services area and in the children's services area. In addition to Zoomtext and a large monitor, these computers are on height-adjustable tables with adjustable keyboard trays and have large-key keyboards and large trackballs.

Reading Edge Machine:

For people with print disabilities, the Reading Edge 'reads' print material aloud.

ClearVision Magnifier:

For people with low vision, this machine magnifies any print material and shows it on a screen. This can be used for books, newspapers, letters - anything in print.

Daisy Reader:

The Daisy is available for use in the library; there are also three machines available for loan. These machines are necessary for listening to the CNIB's talking books on disk, and can only be borrowed by people who are print-disabled.

Media Formats:

In addition to the library's collections of videos (DVD and VHS) and books on tape, the library also offers formats specifically designed and/or restricted to people with difficulties accessing regular print.

Talking Books:

Talking books are unabridged recorded books. Their use is restricted to people who are print-disabled. Talking books are available on cassette or disc. The CNIB is now producing talking books on digital disk which must be listened to on a Daisy reader.

Descriptive Videos:

For people with low vision, the library has a number of descriptive videos for loan

Other Library Services:

The library provides other services to print-disabled users, including access to Visucat-the CNIB's catalogue, and the ability to order materials from the CNIB.