Reading
Library of Congress Talking Book & Braille Library
As part of the Talking Book Program of the Library of Congress, each state has a Talking Book and Braille Library that circulates recorded cassettes, digital books, and Braille materials as well as playback equipment and audio-described videotapes and DVDs to residents who for any physical reason cannot read normal print. Selections include best sellers, romances, mysteries, classics, and sports and travel subjects of interest to adults, young adults, and children.
The new digital player is small and lightweight. Entire books, regardless of length, are stored on an accessibility-enhanced flash drive which is easy to plug into the player. For even more talking book choices, the player has a USB port so the user can download selections on-line from the National Library Service’s Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) service and create their own talking book library.
To be eligible to use this service, one must be certified by a medical professional to have a visual handicap, legal blindness, a reading disability, or a physical disability making it difficult to hold a book or turn pages.
For more information on the program, qualifications, to search the on-line catalog, or fill out an application, contact the Library of Congress www.loc.gov
Kindle Electronic Reader
Amazon’s Kindle is a lightweight (10 oz.) electronic reading device that reminds me of a thin, 5”X7” picture frame. It is capable of downloading books wirelessly in under 60 seconds, without a computer or wireless connection. Pages view just like a book without glare, even in bright sunlight. Depending on the model, the Kindle holds 1500 – 3500 books and will run for a week or two on a single charge. It has wireless capability that allows you to Twitter or Facebook about what you are reading; a built-in PDF reader that lets you carry and read all your personal and professional documents; and a Read-to-Me feature that turns text to speech so your Kindle can read out loud to you. There are free Kindle Apps (applications) for your PC, Mac, Blackberry, Droid, iPhone, and iPad. Cost: Starting at $179; new release books about $10-15 each. Available at www.Amazon.com
Roberts Book Holder
If you have difficulty holding or supporting a book while you’re reading, this strong, compact, two-part shelf may help. It easily sits on your lap, desk, counter, or tabletop. Removable pegs fit into molded holes in the bottom piece to hold nearly any size or thickness of reading material — from full-sized magazines, to the smallest paperback, to thick manuals or large books. It is perfect for viewing photo albums, cookbooks, or for holding materials next to your computer. The 7 ½ x 14 x 7/16” book holder weighs about 2 pounds, has a built-in handle and folds flat for easy storage or travel. Additional pegs are available. Cost: $32 Contact: Maddak, Inc., 661 Route 23 South, Wayne, NJ 07470; 973-628-7600; www.maddak.com
Bookshare®
Bookshare® offers access to more than 70,000 digital books, textbooks, newspapers, magazines, and assistive technology tools for people with visual print disabilities, who could not otherwise read a book due to a physical impairment. An annual subscription to the service is free for students; a subscription for adults who are not students is $75 for the first year to cover the initiation fee, and $50 each year after that. Individuals must submit a Proof of Disability to qualify. For more information contact Bookshare via email (preferred); write c/o Benetech, 480 South California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306; or phone 650-352-0198. www.Bookshare.org
Read How You Want
Read How You Want has successfully developed conversion technology that reformats existing books into high quality, alternative formats quickly, easily, and at prices comparable to standard format books. Books are printed, or formatted in electronic, audio, and Braille to be delivered “on demand,” throughout the English speaking world (as long as the country is within the book’s copyright). You choose the format that is best for you. For a selection of books available or for more information, visit www.ReadHowYouWant.com and select the country or area of the world that applies to you.
Talking Books
The National Library of Congress offers the Talking Books program for people who are blind or physically disabled. More than 159,000 biographies, best sellers, classics, collections of poetry, mysteries, how-to and other books -- as well as 70 popular magazines -- are recorded on cassette tapes. A special tape recorder is needed to play the tapes. These recorders -- as well as accessories like headphones, remote control units and amplifiers -- are available from the Talking Books program. All items and services connected with this program are free. Even the postage for the books is paid. You are eligible for Talking Books if you meet any of the following criteria: 1) you are unable to read standard print without aids or devices other than glasses or contact lenses, 2) you have a visual acuity of less than 20/200 or a visual field of 20 degrees or less with correction, 3) you are unable to hold a book or turn a page, 4) you have a temporary loss of vision or use of your hands or 5) you have a medically documented reading disability. To obtain more information or to sign up for this state and federally funded program, contact your local library. Or call the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped at (800) 424-9100. The operator will forward your request to the regional library nearest you.
Lightwedge™ Booklights
The Lightwedge™ book light uses LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights to illuminate through a flat, clear acrylic lens that then transfers the light directly to the page and no where else. The flat design allows you to use the Lightwedge as a book mark, so when you are done reading, simply turn the light off and close your book and you are ready to read as soon as you open the book again. The company produces the following:
The Lightwedge™ Original
It is designed for full sized books. It’s large 6 x 9 inch surface works well for illuminating the larger pages of full sized books and magazines. The smaller (5.25 x 6.25”) Paperback version is sized to fit typical paperback books, and fits nicely into the pocket of briefcase or purse. Both are perfect for reading in bed without disturbing the person next to you. Available in a variety of colors. Original $34.95; Paperback $24.95
The Lightwedge™ Night Vision
This provides red light, perfect for reading charts, maps, or books at night without affecting your eyes’ ability to see in the dark. Sailors, astronomers, pilots, photographers, drivers, or anyone with a need to read or navigate after dark, will love this. Cost: $40
The Lightwedge™ Mini
Do you often find yourself in low light situations where reading the print on maps, menus, theater programs, and the like becomes a challenge. The Lightwedge™ Mini is prefect for shedding a little light on the go. Its compact 2.25 x 5” size fits neatly into your pocket or purse compartment. One edge magnifies a line of type 1.5 times for easier reading. It comes with its own protective case. Cost: $15
Look for Lightwedge™ booklights, accessories, and gift packs, that include the light and case, at local or on-line bookstores or order from www.lightwedge.com
Peeramid Bookrest
Make your reading more comfortable and hands-free with the Peeramid Bookrest. Set the soft, lightweight, pyramid-shaped pillow (about 12 x 12 x 8”) on your lap, prop your book on the ledge at the base, and your book will be held at a comfortable angle for reading. Great for reading in bed or for keeping hands free for sipping coffee or taking notes. About $33. Purchase in a variety of fabrics on-line at www.peeramid.com
Reversible Bookstop
If holding a book open is an issue, try setting it on a flat surface and using this nubuck covered bookweight to do the job for you. Contoured on one side, this 10.5 ounce book weight is heavy enough to easily hold even thick books open. Its compact size (8 x 1.75 x .75”) makes an elegant paperweight too. About $28. Look for bookweights at your local bookstore or order the Reversible Bookstop from www.levenger.com