Doors to the World Are Opened Through Braille and Talking Books

SOUTH DAKOTA STATE LIBRARY’S BRAILLE & TALKING BOOK PROGRAM

Doors to the World Are Opened Through Braille and Talking Books.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE SERVICES? Any resident of South Dakota or S.D. citizen living abroad who is unable to read or use standard print materials as a result of a temporary or permanent visual impairment, or physical limitation, or reading disability may receive this service. Certification of eligibility is required at the time of application and can be provided by a doctor, nurse, ophthalmologist, optometrists, social worker, counselor, teacher, librarian, or other qualified person.

WHAT TYPES OF BOOKS DOES THE LIBRARY OFFER? Enjoy classic and contemporary works of fiction ranging from the great plays of William Shakespeare to delightful mysteries by Agatha Christie or the gritty realism of John Steinbeck to the chilling horror of Stephen King. You may also choose from over 70 popular magazines in either Braille or recorded formats.

ARE THERE ANY COSTS TO THE BORROWER ASSOCIATED WITH USING THE PROGRAM? No, this program is tax supported by federal, state and local government agencies.

HOW DO I LISTEN TO THE RECORDED BOOKS? Talking books must be played on special machines. Several different playback machines and accessories are available at no charge through the program. HOW ARE MATERIALS RECEIVED FROM AND RETURNED TO THE BRAILLE AND TALKING BOOK PROGRAM? All books, magazines, catalogs, and equipment are sent to a reader as “Free Matter for the Blind” and may be returned the same way. There is no postage charge for returning the materials. Materials sent by the B&TB Program come with a removable address card that, when turned over and reinserted, will show the name and address for return mailing.

Individuals with computer access may also download their own books and magazines. There are over 20,000 titles to choose from.

ARE THERE OTHER SERVICES THE B&TB PROGRAM PROVIDES? The B&TB Program also loans descriptive videos. These are full length movies that are accessible to the blind. Descriptive videos provide a narrated description of the movies key visual elements without interfering with the program dialogue.

The B&TB Program will also loan textbooks and other educational materials for students. These books and materials can be embossed in braille, or printed in large print. Students requiring audio format can receive their textbooks free of charge from Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic.

For further information contact the South Dakota Braille and Talking Book Program at 1-800-423-6665.

Updated 02/2011