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 Resources Volunteer Donating to VITAL
Instruction: We offer free, 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
Our VITAL Volunteers will also download audiobooks from BARD and Perkins for patrons who are unable to do so themselves.
The library also has a collection of talking books on digital cartridges and digital players from Perkins that can be borrowed from our library. New titles in this collection are periodically added and include our 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. Using this software and equipment, people with vision loss can access print material. The VITAL area also contains brochures, handouts, and catalogs of special interest to people with vision loss and other types of disabilities.
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 Brallier
- Slate and stylus
Our VITAL coordinator Carla Burke can also be contacted for additional resource and referral services at (508) 430-7562 ext. 5, directly at (508) 310-4429, or by email at cburke@clamsnet.org.
Volunteers: We are able to offer our VITAL services thanks to volunteers who generously give of their time to help our patrons with 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? For more information, or to volunteer, contact our VITAL coordinator Carla Burke at (508) 430-7562 ext. 5 or by email at cburke@clamsnet.org.
Donating to VITAL: To make a tax-deductible donation to our VITAL program, please send a check to:
Friends of Brooks Free Library
P.O. Box 1456
Harwich, MA 02645
Please include the word VITAL in the memo line.
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.
