Jacksonville Talking Book Library Jacksonville Council on Elder Affairs

Guitar Hero adapted for the visually impaired

2012-01-18T10:52:00.000-08:00

The video game industry reports that approximately 190 million households, representing 63% of the population, will use a video game console in 2012. However since video games rely primarily on visual stimuli, those who are blind or have a visual disability don't often get to enjoy this popular form of entertainment...until now.

Researchers at the University of Nevada have developed a version of the popular video game Guitar Hero that is accessible to those who are blind or have a visual disability. They call their version "Blind Hero" and it replaces the visual stimuli of the game with haptic stimuli which is based on the sense of touch.

For those who are unfamiliar with Guitar Hero, the game play requires the use of a plastic, scaled down version of an electric guitar that, instead of having strings and frets, has a corresponding array of buttons. For instance there is a button that moves up and down above the area that you would find the pickups that simulates a strumming action. A player watches a television screen and tries to coordinate the pressing and strumming of buttons in time to the changing musical tones and audio effects as represented by colored dots on the screen. Essentially it is the simulation of playing rock music on the electric guitar.

Blind Hero uses the same guitar controller and audio cues in Guitar Hero but instead of following a display of colored dots on a screen players wear a special glove on one hand. The glove receives an electrical signal from the video game that activates a small vibrating motor on each finger alerting a player to press a button corresponding to the changing musical tones. The length of the vibration indicates how long a player must hold the button.

While the high cost of Blind Hero can be prohibitive to a budding video gamer with a visual disability, it represents a step in the direction toward more accessibility of this popular form of entertainment.

For more information read the study at the following address: http://www.eelke.com/files/pubs/blindhero.pdf

Macular Degeneration Foundation

2011-11-30T10:26:00.000-08:00

The Macular Degeneration Foundation is on organization that seeks to provide information, resources and other forms of support to those who have and will develop Macular Degeneration.

Macular Degeneration is a disease that gradually destroys an individual's central area of vision. It occurs in two forms: wet and dry. It can start small and spread slowly or occur suddenly and quickly lead to complete vision loss. Age related Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss for Americans 60 years and older.

The Macular Degeneration Foundation's webpage provides an abundance of information including links to the latest news in Macular Degeneration research; alphabetized list of online resources from domestic and foreign sources; a bibliography of recommended titles related to the disease; informative online video presentations and much more. An interesting and interactive feature of the website is the Ansler Grid Eye Test displayed below. Below the grid you will find the instructions for using the grid to assess the quality of your central vision.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Wear the glasses you normally wear when reading.

2. View the chart at arms distance and cover one eye. With the uncovered eye, stare at the white dot in the center of the grid.

3. To view the chart at the proper distance, slowly move in toward your monitor until one of the two red ovals FIRST disappears.

4. During the entire test, you should have one eye covered, stare at the center of the grid and only see one red oval.

5. If your eye is functioning properly, you should be able to see the center white dot and the four corners and sides of the grid. The lines should appear to be straight and continuous from top to bottom and side to side.

6. Now test your other eye.

Here is the link to the Macular Degeneration Foundation's webpage:www.eyesight.org

Southside Baptist Church Blind Ministry

2011-10-14T12:59:00.000-07:00

On the third Saturday of the months September through May from 12pm to 2pm are the meetings of the Southside Baptist Church Blind Ministry. The group is nondenominational and contains more than 40 members and volunteers. Fellowship, lunch and entertainment are provided. For more information please contact Robert A. Jones at (904) 721-2389.

Support the Jacksonville Public Library

2011-09-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

The Jacksonville Public Library's operating budget is facing cuts totaling 3.5 million dollars. These cuts would result in fewer hours of service at every Jacksonville Public Library location including system wide closures on Mondays as well as a reduction in staff. Such cuts will be especially painful for the Talking Book Library since we will only be able to circulate books and videos to our customers four days a week. We do not yet know how the reduction in staff may effect us.

A final budget has not yet been approved by the Jacksonville City Council; they vote on Thursday September 27th. If you wish to show your support for the Jacksonville Public Library we urge you to contact your city councilperson. If you are unsure of who your City Councilperson is use the following link to determine your precinct and elected officials: www.duvalelections.com/precinctfinder.aspx

Safe and Mobile Seniors

2011-08-25T11:47:00.000-07:00

Safe and Mobile Seniors is a web based service offered by the Florida Department of Transportation that provides transportation information for anyone 65 years and older living in Florida. It is promoted as a “one stop shop” for drivers and pedestrians who are seeking information regarding the safest most effective way to reach their destinations.
A highly interactive and useful feature of this website for those who don’t have their own transportation is the “Find a Ride” option. After a user selects their home county from the interactive map they are then linked to a webpage that allows a user to select their city and preferred mode of transportation. For instance, a person can input their city as Jacksonville, select fixed route service, select a fixed schedule and finally select ADA Complementary Paratransit Service resulting in a list that includes Jacksonville Transit Authority (JTA), MV Medicaid Transportation, Inc., Amtrak and others. This is just one outcome of a variety of routes, schedules and types of service available.
You can find all of this information at the following address: www.safeandmobileseniors.org
It is a very useful website with links to important information for senior citizens in Florida who wish to be informed, independent travelers.

Florida Reading and Vision Technology Inc.

2011-07-27T11:24:00.000-07:00

Florida Reading and Vision Technology Inc. (FRAVTI) is an organization that seeks to improve the lives of Floridians who are blind or have a visual disability through the use of adaptive technology. FRAVTI lists a wide range of adaptive technology products for purchase through their website such as CCTVs, computer programs, Braille embossers, digital Talking Book players, etc. In addition to the products available for purchase FRAVTI also offers online training and tutorials for products such as the Victor Reader Stream. They also have free demo computer programs that will be sent through the mail to anyone who wants to try out a program before they purchase it. FRAVTI does have a Jacksonville representative that sells their products and works with customers to learn how to use them. They can be reached at 904-828-9319. For more information visit FRAVTI's website at www.floridareading.com

Audio Bible Download

2011-06-08T11:29:00.000-07:00

The Aurora Ministries Audio Bibles for the Blind service now offers their materials for download to anyone who receives Talking Books or is certified as having a disability that prohibits them from reading standard or large print. In addition to the complete King James and New King James bible in many different languages the website also offers selected scripture readings, children's devotionals, Christian music and sermons by prominent Christian theologians. The audio files are in mp3 format and download as zipped files. For more information call (941) 748-3031 or visit their website at audiobiblesfortheblind.org

Blind Tunes & Rhapsody Blind

2011-05-26T11:11:00.000-07:00

Blind Tunes and Rhapsody Blind are simple programs (scripts) that operate via JAWS for Windows in order to give individuals who are blind or have a visual disability the ability to navigate the iTunes and Rhapsody online music and movie services with greater ease and freedom. A user will be able to search online collections of music and movies, create and access playlists, purchase and download media files and burn those files to a CD or transfer them to a device like an mp3 player. These programs can be downloaded for free and only require that a user have access to JAWS for Windows version 10 through 12 and Microsoft Windows XP, Vista or 7. Mr. John Martyn, who lost his vision in 2008, created these programs in order to make these popular websites "more about the music and less about the navigation". It is important that someone hoping to use either of these programs has had some degree of training in JAWS for Windows and its many hot keys and menus. For more information visit the following websites:
Blind Tunes: www.blindtunes.net
Rhapsody Blind: www.rhapsodyblind.com

Florida Disabled Citizens for Progress

2011-04-19T10:12:00.000-07:00

The Florida Disabled Citizens for Progress is a non-profit organization that seeks to provide adaptive technology to disabled Floridians. They believe that all blind and disabled citizens in Florida regardless of their income level should have access to the same resources, such as the Internet, that everyone else enjoys. They are actively seeking tax-deductible donations of used high or low-tech adaptive equipment that is no longer being used. After donation this equipment is evaluated and, if necessary, refurbished so that it is in good working condition and can be then provided to disabled citizens throughout the state. Those disabled citizens that are seeking adaptive equipment can contact their regional representative regarding what equipment they need. Here is the contact information for the representatives in the Northeast Florida region: Kirk Harmon - (904) 783-9896
Barbara Brown - (904) 996-7404
Gina Minichiello-(904) 571-9117
You may find more information on Florida Disabled Citizens for Progress at the following website: www.fdcp.org/Home.html

6th Annual NFB Blind Community Picnic

2011-03-10T12:14:00.000-08:00

GREATER JACKSONVILLE CHAPTER

ARE YOU READY FOR A PICNIC?
Join us for the 6th annual NFB Blind Community Picnic

Food
Trivia Time with Brandon Tomasello
Bingo
Music
Activities for children

When: Saturday, April 16th 2011
Where: Cuba Hunter Park & Community Center
4380 Bedford Rd
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Time: 11:00am-4:00pm

This free event is open to the blind, visually impaired, and their immediate families. The deadline for registration is April 2nd, 2011. Please register by calling 904-608-0105.

Digital Talking Book machine now available for institutions

2011-02-25T12:02:00.000-08:00

The digital Talking Book Machine is now available to institutions such as nursing homes, hospitals, schools, senior centers, etc. Institutions registered for Talking Book service can receive up to 6 digital Talking Book machines and up to 24 Talking Books on digital cartridge. Just call our office at 630-1999 or email us at JPLTBSpecialNeeds@coj.net to activate your institution's digital service. Those institutions that wish to receive digital Talking Books but have not registered for the service need to call or email us and an application for institutional service will be mailed to you.

JPL on the Homefront

2011-02-17T10:22:00.000-08:00

*This program is available for everyone and not just those affiliated with the military.

Accessible Walt Disney World

2011-02-09T11:38:00.001-08:00

The Walt Disney World offers many special accommodations for guests with visual, hearing and physical disabilities. For instance those guests with a visual disability have access to audio descriptions of the resort's many entertainment programs, sporting events, tours and other special events. The audio descriptions are played through a handheld device that can be acquired at the Theme Park Guest Relations office. In addition to the audio descriptions of the resort's attractions, guests with a visual disability also have access to braille guidebooks and braille maps of the resort. Trained service animals are welcome in many areas of the resort. The resort hotels offer rooms and services for guests with disabilities.

For more information about Walt Disney World's accessibility options visit their website at the following address: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guests-with-disabilities

Vision is Priceless Council

2011-01-12T11:10:00.001-08:00

The Vision is Priceless Council provides free vision screenings to children and adults in Jacksonville. They are a volunteer non-profit organization committed to the early detection and prevention of eye disease. If a problem is detected a patient is advised to see an eye care professional for further treatment. Some patients may be eligible to receive financial assistance for their treatment through the Cared Vision Network which is a cooperative effort between the Vision is Priceless Council and local eye care professionals who have agreed to provide their services free of charge. The Vision is Priceless Council attends community health fairs and other events to screen adults and travels to day cares, preschools, schools and libraries to screen children. Their website is very informative and includes a schedule of what locations they will be visiting and what events they will be attending: www.visionispriceless.org They can be reached at 904-308-2020.

Ride Smart

2010-12-08T10:19:00.001-08:00

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) in a collaborative effort with ElderSource in Action, Inc. has created a free new program called Ride Smart to assist senior citizens, people with disabilities and those new to using public transportation in gaining experience with all the different modes of public transportation available in Jacksonville. This program is self-paced and begins with one-on-one or group instruction and progresses in a step-by-step process until the individual feels confident enough to travel independently. The Ride Smart program will instruct participants in the use of city buses, Community Shuttles and the Skyway. As part of this instruction, participants will learn how to plan a trip, read and understand route maps and schedules, recognize bus numbers and bus stops, and locate and transfer to other buses. More importantly to people with disabilities is the instruction in boarding and disembarking safely, how to board with a mobility device (such as a wheelchair), and how to secure a mobility device for safe travel. Those interested should call (904) 391-6682 and they will be matched with a trainer suited that individual's needs.

Accessible World

2010-11-18T10:45:00.000-08:00

Accessible World is a website that features podcasts, web-conferences and other information relevant to individuals in the disabled community and those that serve them. The podcasts cover new accessible products, services, book reviews, interviews and a host of other informative topics. The podcasts can be listened to live-streaming or downloaded as a .mp3 file. The website also maintains an archive of their most popular series of podcasts. The Conference Rooms section features web-conference discussions on interests such as history, books, healthy living, sports and other topics. Prior to participating in the web-conferencing there is a one-time downloading and installation of a plug-in necessary to participate. A general list of information titled Navigation includes information pertaining to a computer donation program for people who are visually impaired. Here is the address: www.accessibleworld.org.

GOOG - 411

2010-10-01T09:22:00.001-07:00

GOOG - 411 is a free, fast and easy way to connect with local businesses. This service can be accessed from any phone (mobile or land line), in any location at any time. GOOG - 411 operates very similar to directory assistance except it is voice activated which should be helpful to anyone with a visual or physical disability. For instance if you want to have a pizza delivered to your home you can call 1-800-GOOG-411 (1-800-466-4411), say your location or enter your zip code on the number pad and then say "pizza delivery". Next you will hear a numbered list of pizzerias from which you can be connected with by saying the corresponding number. If you know which pizzeria you want to order a pizza from you can just say the name of the pizzeria. For more information and a brief tutorial about this service visit the following website: www.google.com/goog411/index.html

How to request Talking Books online

2010-09-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

Some Talking Books customers may be unaware that they have an option to use our Online Public Access Catalog to request that certain titles be sent to them. Here is the link to the catalog: webopac.klas.com/flbtbl

All you need is your User ID number and password to log into the system. Your User ID is the 9 digit number beginning with "999" that appears below the center barcode of each mailing card. A password has to be requested by calling the Talking Book Library at 630-1999.

You can immediately log into your account via the Patron Information or Place Requests links. After logging in you will see a summary of your current holdings. From this point you can click on the link Basic Search or Advanced Search to begin searching for books by title, author or subject. I'll use the author John Grisham as an example. In the Search For: field you need to type Grisham, John or just Grisham. From the Search Index: field you need to select the option for Author. At this point you can either click the button for Submit Search or further narrow your search options by selecting for Media (Cassette or Digital Book), Language or whether you're looking for Fiction or Nonfiction titles. Clicking Submit Search retrieves 3 pages of titles on Cassette (RC0) and Digital cartridge (DB0) arranged alphabetically. If selecting by title you can click the check box to the left of the corresponding title in the Request column before clicking Add to BookBasket. If you want more information on a specific title before requesting it you can click on the title which will display the book record and from this point you can either click the button to Add to Book Basket or the link to Return to Search Results. Once titles are added to the Book Basket the process becomes very similar to online shopping. You have the option to "Rush" selected titles out to you as soon as they are available by checking the corresponding box. At this point you can also delete selections from your Book Basket. To process the selected titles for shipment according to a your regularly scheduled delivery you need to click Proceed to Checkout. Once this is clicked you will see a summary of the titles added to your request list.

The Audio Description Project

2010-08-11T11:08:00.000-07:00

The Audio Description Project (ADP) is sponsored by the American Council of the Blind. This project strives to increase the awareness and availability of audio description among those who are blind or visually impaired as well as the rest of the general public. The American Council of the Blind defines audio description as follows: "Audio Description involves the accessibility of the visual images of theater, television, movies, and other art forms for people who are blind, have low vision, or who are otherwise visually impaired." Audio description is essentially a narration service that describes for a blind or visually impaired person what a sighted person can see. The Talking Book Library has a large and growing collection of movies on DVD and VHS that include audio described tracks. In the past year we have seen more and more DVD distribution companies include audio described tracks in recently released feature films. What many people don't know is that there are also a few primetime television programs that audio described tracks have been produced for as a Second Audio Program (SAP) channel. The problem is that television networks (including cable and satelite television providers) are not required to broadcast this secondary audio feed or modify a subscriber's equipment so that it can be accessed. The movement to make this a requirement has gained momentum lately with the passage of bills in the House of Representatives and Senate that almost guarantees the FCC the authority to mandate audio description to the largest networks in the largest population areas. The next step is to get television manufacturers and the cable and satelite television providers to modify their products and services. The following is a list of local cable and satelite televison providers that you can contact regarding the availability of audio described television in your area:
Comcast: 1-800-226-2278
Dish Network: 1-866-686-2388
DirecTV: 1-800-531-5000
Here is the link to The Audio Description Project: www.acb.org/adp/

Jacksonville Council on Elder Affairs

2010-07-06T13:10:00.000-07:00

The Talking Book Library and the Jacksonville Council on Elder Affairs (COEA) are partnering to bring you even more important information through this blog. The COEA is an independent volunteer organization that serves as an advocate for the older persons in the city. They are involved in such areas as transportation, health care, housing, education, and promoting public awareness. The COEA will be contributing information to our regular postings and adding events to our calendar. We welcome this cooperation and hope that the involvement of the COEA will create a greater range of information available to those disabled and senior citizens in our community. COEA can be reached at 904-630-0543.
www.coj.net/Departments/Advisory+Boards+and+Commissions/Council+on+Elder+Affairs/default.htm

Blind Cool Tech

2010-05-21T11:47:00.001-07:00

Blind Cool Tech is a website that provides a free online collection of podcasts that features information on how people who are blind or visually impaired can learn about the many ways that technology affects their lives. For instance there is a podcast that details the use of the new digital Talking Book machine. There are also podcasts that cover: the iPod, iPad & iPhone; iTunes; Windows 7; many different models of cell phones; online games; audio described tours; MP3 audiobooks; Facebook; and disability themed essays among many other topics. These podcasts can be listened to on a computer program such as Windows Media Player or be loaded onto an MP3 player or iPod. If a user wants to listen to each new podcast added to Blind Cool Tech they will first have to download and install podcatching software of which there are many free versions available online. For more information visit the website at www.blindcooltech.com/.

Satogo - free online screen reader

2010-04-20T08:18:00.000-07:00

Satogo (System Access to go) is a free online screen-reading program for the blind and visually impaired that operates very similarly to the popular JAWS screen-reading program. Satogo is an easy download to any computer and operates similar to a "plug-in" sort of program in that it does not require installation to a computer's hard drive and removes itself after the user has finished using it. Users have the option of saving their settings (voice, reading speed, etc.) via an online user name and password that is portable to any computer that has internet access. There is also the option to install the program on a computer's hard drive which will allow a user instant access to the program. Satogo also offers a screen magnification feature that is similar to the Zoomtext screen magnifying program. The Jacksonville Public Library allows users to access Satogo and create a username and password on any of our public use computers but does not allow for the complete installation of the program. You can access Satogo at the following website: satogo.com/. Follow the voice prompts to initiate the download.

Talking Books-ILAB Book Club has breakfast with bestselling author

2010-03-22T08:14:00.000-07:00

On Saturday February 27th some members of the Talking Books-ILAB (Independent Living for the Adult Blind) Book Club had the pleasure of having breakfast at the Omni hotel with bestselling author Chris Bohjalian. Our thanks go out to Mrs. Maggie Hightower and the Jacksonville Public Library Foundation for graciously providing us with this opportunity. Mr. Bohjalian was in Jacksonville that weekend for the JPL Foundation's 2010 Much Ado About Books festival and our book club had just read his novel The Double Bind as February's book club selection. Everyone in attendance enjoyed themselves and Mr. Bohjalian was very entertaining and informative in regard to his experiences as an author, the current state of publishing, the themes of his books and many other subjects. His experience at this breakfast with avid readers who cannot read standard print because of a disability has made him aware of the need for books available in accessible formats. He has pledged to make sure that all of his books are available to anyone who wishes to read them and continue to promote this as a worthy cause to authors, publishers and anyone who might help make books more accessible. The breakfast was delicious and everyone at the table received a complimentary copy of Mr. Bohjalian's latest novel Secrets of Eden.

Helping the Blind and Visually Impaired

2010-02-17T10:42:00.000-08:00

Helping the Blind and Visually Impaired is a website created by a visually impaired individual with the sole purpose of providing useful online information to those who are blind or have a visual disability. The website is structured in a way that makes it easily navigable for screen reading programs. A significant portion of this website is dedicated to employment resources for those who are blind or have a visual disability and includes an extensive list of consulting services and other organizations that match employers to disabled job seekers. There are also links to free screen reading programs as well as a list of Windows keyboard shortcuts which are applicable to those programs. All of this information is available at the following link: http://visuallyimpairedandtheblind.com/About.html

Customers on waiting list begin receiving digital Talking Book player

2010-01-14T07:26:00.001-08:00

The new Talking Book digital player is now going out to those registered Talking Book readers who had placed their name on a waiting list. As of January 2010 the digital player has been sent to all veterans of the United States Armed Forces and those centenarians who requested one. The Talking Book library is still taking requests from customers who wish to receive Talking Books on digital format. We want to remind our customers that the digital Talking Book collection is much smaller than the audio cassette collection and, per state guidelines, customers are only eligible to have 4 digital Talking Books at a time. It is in most of our customer's best interest to continue reading Talking books on cassette even after they have received a digital player due to the greater availability and wider scope of the collection on cassette. Talking Book customers can expect to have a dual service of Talking Books on cassette and digital cartridge for a few years as the digital collection grows and the cassette collection is phased out.

Starting a Talking Book Club?

2009-12-10T08:23:00.001-08:00

Have you read any interesting Talking Books that you would like to discuss with other avid readers? Do you live in a nursing home or assisted living community where other Talking Book readers reside? If you would like information about starting a Talking Book Club call the Talking Book Library at 630-1999 for information about recruiting members, selecting titles, finding discussion questions and holding meetings. The Talking Book Library currently supports 3 active book clubs for users of Talking Books.

VisionAWARE.org

2009-11-16T12:10:00.000-08:00

VisionAWARE.org is a free website that serves as a self-help resource center for someone experiencing vision loss, their family, friends and professionals who specialize in various visual impairments. The website itself features accessibility options such as adjustable font sizes and the ability to change the contrast of the screen. There are exhaustive lists of state and national organizations that provide services and products to assist someone coping with vision loss. For those seeking to understand the changes that they are going through there is information in the 'Learning' section that details the inner workings of the eye and the conditions that may impair vision. In the 'Living' section you will find information pertaining to modifying one's home environment and the basics for gettting around. If you or someone you know is beginning to experience vision loss I think you will find this website to be a good starting point for the information, care and counseling that you might need. http://www.visionaware.org/

Change in Closed Caption Movie Series

2009-10-13T12:46:00.000-07:00

The Closed Caption Movie series is now being held on the first Thursday of each month. The movies are still being shown in the Main Library Auditorium at 10:30am. Here is the link to the ongoing movie series:
http://www.jaxpubliclibrary.org/progs/main/main_ccseries.html
If you have any questions please call 630-1999.

Free Hearing Aids for the Needy

2009-09-23T08:41:00.000-07:00

The Northeast Florida Lions Club chapter offers free hearing aids to those who do not have adequate income or resources to obtain one. The Northeast Florida Hearing Aid bank is located in Jacksonville and collects used hearing aids from the public and repairs them if necessary. The Lions Club relies on the volunteered assistance of local audiologists to conduct hearing exams and fit each recipient with the proper hearing aid. An application must be completed in order to receive a hearing aid. Here is the link to the online application: http://www.district35l.org/uploads/Hearing_Aid_Appilication_08.pdf The Lions Club is also accepting monetary donations in order to acquire hearing aids for those that have a specific need.

Looking for articles in accessible formats?

2009-08-12T10:18:00.000-07:00

The Jacksonville Public Library now offers an updated feature of the Gale database called 'Gale Powersearch' which includes Readspeaker technology that converts text to speech. Each article includes an embedded audio interface for activating the Readspeaker technology. There is also the option to download articles as mp3 files for listening to at a later date. Currently Gale Powersearch searches 24 databases of more than 20,000 publications with 55,000,000 documents. This form of added accessibility should prove useful to students or anyone else with a visual disability who is conducting research for school or personal reasons. To find Gale Powersearch visit the Jacksonville Public Library's website at http://www.jaxpubliclibrary.org/. Click on the link titled 'E-Research' in the 'Resources' category. This will lead you to an alphabetical listing of the library's databases;

scroll down to find Gale Powersearch. Call the Talking Book Library at 630-1999 or the Jacksonville Public Library at 630-2665 for more information.

PCs for the Blind and Visually Impaired

2009-07-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

The Texas Center for the Physically Impaired offers free computers to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Actually, the computer is free but there is a $100 charge to cover packing, shipping and replacement parts. The computers that they provide have been refurbished by a staff of volunteers and include a monitor, keyboard, CD-ROM, modem and speakers. Also included are a word processing program, an email program and demo versions of two adaptive technology programs: Window-Eyes and Zoomtext. This service is available to any visually impaired person in the United States. Before receiving a computer an applicant must first be willing to listen to several audiocassettes that teach basic computer use. For more information call (214) 340-6328. Visit their website at the following address: http://www.handicapability.org/computers.html

Anchors Aweigh Charters, Inc.

2009-06-11T11:35:00.000-07:00

Established in 1997 Anchors Aweigh Charters, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides fishing charters and boat tours, free of charge to those with physical and developmental disabilities as well as those diagnosed with a terminal illness. Steve and Wanda Hair, the owners, believe that “the objective of fishing is not always to catch fish but that being on the water is therapy for the soul”.
Anchors Aweigh Charters, Inc. operates through a 36 foot boat named ‘Ye Ole Pirate’ out of Amelia Island, Florida. The vessel has been specially modified for wheelchair access and stability including a large number of extra hand holds and several other patented handicapped devices in order to provide the highest level of safety and comfort for those aboard. Each individual’s boating experience can be personally customized according to interest and physical ability. If you or someone you know have ever thought that you’d never have an opportunity to catch a fish or sail the open seas due to a disability then you should consider participating in this unique experience.
The application for chartering a fishing trip or cruise can be found at their website: http://www.anchorsaweighcharters.com/. Scheduling a charter can also be made by calling (904) 277-6814 or email at the following address: anchorsaweighchartersinc@gmail.com.

Talking Book Library email address

2009-05-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

You can now contact the Talking Book / Special Needs Library at the following email address: TalkingBookSpecialNeeds@coj.net. Feel free to send us emails regarding book orders, profile changes and any other questions or concerns you might have with your Talking Book service.

Ask a Librarian

2009-04-10T12:17:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have a question that isn't Talking Book related? An in-depth reference question that might require consultation of multiple online information sources? If you ever have such a question you might consider Ask a Librarian for your information needs. Ask a Librarian is a free online service that allows Talking Book Library customers with broadband Internet access to conduct live chat sessions with a librarian. There are more than 100 participating state libraries available for weekday and weekend chat sessions as well as 24/7 email assistance. Local chat sessions with Jacksonville librarians are available Monday through Friday from 2pm to 4pm. For more information visit the following address: http://www.askalibrarian.org/vrl_intro.asp?library=FLPL1600.

Described Movie Series

2009-03-04T12:26:00.001-08:00

The Talking Book / Special Needs Library now hosts a free movie in described format for the blind, visually impaired, senior citizens with failing vision and any adult that would enjoy a movie in this format. Described movies (also called "Descriptive") feature an extra audio track containing a narration of the action taking place on the screen. The narration is usually very subtle and inobtrusive allowing the viewer to also hear the dialogue and other sounds in the movie. This film series will be held in the Main Library Auditorium at 10:30am on the third Friday of the month. We would like for moviegoers to try to arrive at the Main Library around 10am so to allow time to navigate their way through the building. For more information visit the following website: http://www.jaxpubliclibrary.org/progs/main/main_described.html or call 630-1999.

NLS BARD Downloadable Audio Book and Magazine Service

2009-02-05T08:38:00.000-08:00

The NLS BARD Downloadable Audio Book and Magazine Service is another service offered by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped in addition to the standard mail delivery service. BARD gives registered Talking Book customers access to downloadable digital books and magazines. In order to qualify for this service one needs to own one of 3 approved audio book players: Humanware Victor Reader Stream, LevelStar Icon or APH Braille Plus Mobile Manager. After acquiring one of these audio book players a customer will need to contact his/her local Talking Book library and complete the Request Access form. For application instructions see the following link: https://www.nlstalkingbooks.org/dtb/ApplicationInstructions.html.

Adaptive Technology built into Windows

2009-01-12T12:36:00.000-08:00

A lot of people don't know that there are already accessibility features built into most Microsoft Windows operating systems. To access these features in Microsoft Windows XP first click on the Start menu, followed by "All Programs", followed by "Accessories", followed by "Accessibility" which will lead you to an Accessibility Wizard, Magnifier, Narrator, On Screen Keyboard and a Utility Manager. The Accessibility Wizard helps a user configure his or her computer via a set of options for those who are blind or have difficulty seeing things on the screen and those who have difficulty using the mouse or keyboard. The Magnifier option creates a viewing area at the top of the screen that magnifies the focus of the mouse pointer or keyboard as well as inverts the color scheme. The Narrator option operates like a screen reader for those who have trouble viewing the screen. The onscreen keyboard is set up exactly like a standard keyboard except the keys are selected by the mouse pointer. The Utilities Manager assists in using the accessibility features.

Talking Books Digital Transition

2009-01-05T08:51:00.000-08:00

In early 2009 the Talking Book / Special Needs Library will begin a transition from books on cassette to digital books on flash cartridges. This new service will be first available to veterans of the United States Armed Forces, then to those customers 100 years of age and older, followed by the rest of our Talking Book eligible customers. The new Talking Book reader will be about 1/3 the size of the current tape player, weigh almost half as much and function much like a CD or MP3 player. The actual Talking Books will be recorded on a flash device that is about the size of a tape cassette. Most Talking Books will fit on one cartridge with only very few requiring an extra cartridge. During the digital transition Talking Books on cassette will still be available alongside what will be a small but growing digital Talking Book collection. We anticipate Talking Books on cassette being available for another 10 to 12 years. For more information on the Talking Book digital transition visit the following website: http://www.loc.gov/nls/newsletters/flash/.

Talking Book Library online newsletter

2008-11-05T07:20:00.000-08:00

The Talking Book / Special Needs Library's quarterly newsletter is available online at the following address:
http://www.jaxpubliclibrary.org/lib/pubs/insightspr09.pdf. Our newsletter contains the latest news and events at the Talking Book Library; local services and events of importance to our customers; new titles added to our collection; a yearly survey; information regarding the Jacksonville Public Library's additional services and resources offered to our customers; reading suggestions and much more. Our customers can also find a text-only version of our newsletter that is more easily accessible by screen reading computer programs at this link: http://www.jaxpubliclibrary.org/lib/pubs/insightspr09.txt.
You can find archived editions of our quarterly newsletter at the following address: http://www.jaxpubliclibrary.org/lib/pubs/archived-newsletters-pdf.html (printer-friendly version) & http://www.jaxpubliclibrary.org/lib/pubs/archived-newsletters-text.html (text-only version).

ALA/ASCLA Toolkit

2008-10-30T11:26:00.000-07:00

The ASCLA (Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies) division of the American Library Association provides an online "toolkit" of information intended to assist librarians and other library staff in meeting the needs of library users with a disability. Here is the link: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/ascla/asclaprotools/accessibilitytipsheets/default.cfm
Each of the 15 tipsheets has basic information regarding the proper ways to interact with a library user who has a specific access issue such as a visual, hearing or physical disability. Each of the tipsheets also has a listing of resources that might help library staff assist library users with a disability.

Talking Book application certification

2008-10-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, Librarians can certify Talking Book applications. We often receive questions regarding whether librarians at the Jacksonville Public Library can certify applications for those customers interested in applying for Talking Book service. Even though the application does not specifically list "librarian" as a certifying authority, a librarian is considered a "qualified person". If the customer's disability is obvious (ex. white cane, guide dog, etc.) or the customer explains that because of their age or declining health that they are unable to read large print it is the librarian's discretion as to whether or not he or she feels comfortable in certifying the customer's application. If a librarian feels that none of these criteria is valid he or she should just recommend the customer to another certifying authority such as a doctor, nurse, or other qualified person listed on the application.

Closed Caption Movie Series

2008-10-20T11:46:00.001-07:00

The Talking Book / Special Needs Library hosts a monthly Closed Caption Movie series for the deaf, hearing impaired, senior citizens with failing hearing and anyone else who might enjoy a movie in this format at the Auditorium in the Main Library. Movies are usually scheduled each month on the second Saturday at 1pm and the first Wednesday at 10 am. For a complete schedule and more information visit the following website: http://www.jaxpubliclibrary.org/progs/main/main_ccseries.html