Brooks Free Library has assistive technology, and offers assistive technology training and resource and referral services, for people with vision loss as part of the VITAL (Vision Impaired Technology Assistance at the Library) Program. For information about VITAL services contact our VITAL coordinator Carla Burke at (508) 430-7562 ext. 5, directly at (508) 310-4429, or by email at cburke@clamsnet.org.
Instruction: We offer one-on-one instruction in the use of assistive technology to individuals with vision loss on the following devices and software:
- Apple iPhone and iPad (with Apple’s assistive technologies such as VoiceOver screen reader and Zoom screen magnifier)
- Victor Reader Stream media player
- ZoomText screen magnifier & reader
- JAWS screen reader
- Duxbury Braille Translation software used with our Juliet Pro60 Braille embosser
Also:
- Keyboarding
- How to download audiobooks from the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) and Perkins Library online catalogs
Volunteers also download audiobooks from BARD and Perkins for patrons who are unable to do so themselves.
The library offers a collection of talking books on digital cartridges and digital players from Perkins that can be borrowed. New titles are periodically added and include the library’s book group selections.
If you’d like more information about VITAL instruction or are interested in training to be a volunteer tutor, please call the Library at (508) 430-7562 extension 5 or directly at (508) 310-4429, and speak to Carla Burke, our Assistive Technology Coordinator. You may also email Carla at cburke@clamsnet.org.
Resources: The VITAL area, located on the 2nd floor of the library, has a dedicated computer, three assistive software programs, and non-computer equipment.
Patrons have access to the following computer programs to do word processing, email, search the Internet, and much more:
- ZoomText screen magnifier & reader
- JAWS screen reader
- Duxbury Braille Translation software used with our Juliet Pro60 Braille embosser
Our non-computer equipment:
- Optelec desktop video magnifier
- Clover 6 Hand-held Video Magnifier
- Amazon Fire Tablet
- Micro-Speak Plus Talking Digital Voice Recorder
- Max portable video magnifier (which can be checked out and used with your TV at home)
- Perkins Brailier
- Slate and stylus
Volunteers: We are able to offer our VITAL services thanks to volunteers who generously give of their time to help our patrons who experience vision loss. We are always in need of volunteers. There are various ways you can help. No experience is necessary. Training will be provided. Interested?
VITAL is sponsored by the Friends of Brooks Free Library. The program is funded through donations and supplemental funding from the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI) and supported by a Cape Cod 5 Charitable Endowment.
