800-342-3688
Fax
518-474-7041
Primary Services
Braille Materials/Collections, Disability Related Libraries, Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic
Description
A free library service for eligible residents of upstate New York who are unable to use standard print materials due to a visual or other physical disability. Materials are mailed to and from library patrons at their homes at no charge. Materials available include audio and braille books and magazines, along with the necessary playback equipment
The TBBL collection includes fiction and nonfiction audio and braille books, with over 70 magazine subscriptions available as well. The Library loans playback machines to those using audio books; books can also be downloaded directly to a tablet or smartphone.
The TBBL collection includes fiction and nonfiction audio and braille books, with over 70 magazine subscriptions available as well. The Library loans playback machines to those using audio books; books can also be downloaded directly to a tablet or smartphone.
Hours
Phones answered Monday-Friday, 9am-4:30pm.
Eligibility
Any resident of upstate New York with a physical disability that prevents them from reading print materials.
Specific qualifying circumstances include:
- Being legally blind, with vision in the better eye of 20/200 or less with correcting lenses, or:
- Having a visual field no greater than 20 degrees in diameter, or:
- Being unable see well enough to focus long enough to read standard print, even with corrective lenses, or:
- Having a permanent or temporary physical limitation which prevents a holding a book or turning its pages. Physical disabilities which may prevent the ability to read include multiple sclerosis, stroke, cerebral palsy, severe arthritis, paralysis, a missing arm or hand, lack of muscle coordination, or prolonged weakness. Or:
- Having a physically-based reading disability; must be certified by a medical doctor as having a reading or learning disability due to an organic dysfunction severe enough to prevent reading in the usual manner.
Service Area: Upstate NY, including WNY.
Specific qualifying circumstances include:
- Being legally blind, with vision in the better eye of 20/200 or less with correcting lenses, or:
- Having a visual field no greater than 20 degrees in diameter, or:
- Being unable see well enough to focus long enough to read standard print, even with corrective lenses, or:
- Having a permanent or temporary physical limitation which prevents a holding a book or turning its pages. Physical disabilities which may prevent the ability to read include multiple sclerosis, stroke, cerebral palsy, severe arthritis, paralysis, a missing arm or hand, lack of muscle coordination, or prolonged weakness. Or:
- Having a physically-based reading disability; must be certified by a medical doctor as having a reading or learning disability due to an organic dysfunction severe enough to prevent reading in the usual manner.
Service Area: Upstate NY, including WNY.
Intake Process
Must register before borrowing materials. To register, fill out an application (available on website) and mail to:
Talking Book and Braille Library
Cultural Education Center
222 Madison Avenue
Albany, NY 12230-0001
To confirm eligibility, the application must be signed by a professional person acceptable to the Library and familiar with the applicant's disability. For a reading or learning disability, the application must be signed by a Medical Doctor or a Doctor of Osteopathy.
Once registered, the new borrower will be sent the equipment they requested along with a "new reader packet" and several books in subject areas of interest to them (if they asked the Library to choose books for them).
Talking Book and Braille Library
Cultural Education Center
222 Madison Avenue
Albany, NY 12230-0001
To confirm eligibility, the application must be signed by a professional person acceptable to the Library and familiar with the applicant's disability. For a reading or learning disability, the application must be signed by a Medical Doctor or a Doctor of Osteopathy.
Once registered, the new borrower will be sent the equipment they requested along with a "new reader packet" and several books in subject areas of interest to them (if they asked the Library to choose books for them).
Program Fees
Free.
Handicap Accessible?
Yes
Date of Official Change
Sep 05, 2019
Contacts
Contact Email (Primary)
tbbl@nysed.gov