PCs for the Blind and Visually Impaired

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.