Whether you're trying to stay informed or just reading for leisure, there are massive libraries of accessible media out there in a variety of forms.
BARD/Perkins Talking Book Library
Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) is a free online service run by The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) that allows you to download books and magazines instantly. There are two NLS network libraries in Massachusetts: the Worcester Talking Book Library, which covers Central Massachusetts and large-print materials for the state, and Perkins Library, which covers Eastern and Western MA as well as Braille materials. To use BARD, you must be an NLS patron and fill out an application. Once approved, you can download the BARD mobile app for either IOS or Android at no cost.
Learn more about NLS.
American Printing House (APH)
The American Printing House is a nonprofit organization that creates education, workplace, and independent living products and services for people who are blind or low-vision. Its store features adaptive technology, curriculum support for teachers, early childhood education for parents, and resources for professionals.
The Museum of the American Printing House
The APH Museum highlights the history of disability and the accomplishments of people striving for accessibility and inclusion. Exhibits cover hundreds of years of accomplishments and include Braille and audio description services. It also holds a wide variety of events for both children and adults, and hosts the AFB Hellen Keller Archive.
APH ConnectCenter
The APH ConnectCenter is an expansive online hub of resources for people in all stages of vision loss, split into three sections. It includes CareerConnect, which curates information for job seekers and their employers. Its FamilyConnect branch is aimed at parents or family members of children who are blind or visually impaired, providing information on what to do after a diagnosis, how to deal with complex needs, how to build community, and more. Lastly, VisionAware is an informational service for people who are new vision loss.
Learn more about APH. Find their main office at 1839 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville, Kentucky, 40206. Contact them by phone at 502-895-2405 or by fax at 502-899-2284.
National Braille Press (NBP)
The National Braille Press (NBP) is the largest Braille publisher in the US. In addition to producing original Braille works by blind authors, NBP has transcribed a library of works including children’s books, technical manuals, educational materials, leisure reading, and tactile maps. They also provide Braille printing services and develop new technologies through their Center for Braille Innovation.
Learn more about National Braille Press. Find their main office at 88 Saint Stephen Street, Boston MA, 02115. Contact them by phone at 617-266-6160, by email at contact [at] nbp.org , or by fax at 617-437-0456.
Bookshare
Bookshare is an ebook library that provides a customizable experience tailored to people with disabilities. It has over 1 million titles with text to speech, follow-along highlighting, Braille, large print, and other options available. It’s free for US schools and students with disabilities. For non-students, there’s a small annual fee, but you may be able to waive this cost by inquiring with your MCB counselor.
Learn more about Bookshare.
NFB Newsline
NFB Newsline, presented by the National Federation of the Blind, is an audio news service that offers access to over 500 publications, weather alerts, job listings, and more. They offer both a full access account and a limited access account for children, both of which are free. You can apply for NFB-Newsline on their website, by calling your state’s Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, or by calling the National Federation of the Blind at 866-504-7300.
Learn more about NFB Newsline.
Massachusetts Library Networks
While services may varies depending on your area, many libraries are excellent resources for audiobooks, large print books, and online catalogs that can provide a wealth of educational and entertainment media for people who are print-disabled. They’re also hubs for community events, and staff can assist visitors in using their services.
There are 10 networks that cover most libraries in Massachusetts:
- The CLAMS network covers Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket.
- C/W MARS covers most of central and western Massachusetts.
- Fenway Library Organization (FLO) covers Boston and Cambridge and provides support for the Commonwealth Catalog.
- The Metro Boston Library Network (MBLN) covers the Boston public library system, Malden, Chelsea, and academic libraries in the greater Boston area.
- The Minuteman Library Network (MLN) covers the Metrowest area.
- The Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC) covers the greater Merrimack Valley region.
- The North of Boston Library Exchange (NOBLE) covers areas north of Boston.
- The Old Colony Library Network (OCLN) covers the south shore of Boston toward the Cape.
- SAILS covers southeastern Massachusetts.
- MassCat is an online resource network for secondary schools and special libraries within the Massachusetts library system.
Learn more about Massachusetts library networks. Find the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners at 90 Canal Street, Suite 500, Boston MA 02114.
Radio Reading
Radio reading is an audio service where broadcasters, usually volunteers, record programming from a wide variety of print-based sources including newspapers, current affairs, consumer information, weather reports, and community-based announcements. There are currently 6 radio reading stations in Massachusetts.
Learn more about radio reading.