Short Description
The Vision Australia Library and Information Service is available nationally and is free of charge, to people who are blind, vision impaired or have difficulty reading standard printed material.
More Details
LIBRARY SERVICES
. The Library offers a large number of audio and Braille titles covering a range of subjects from romance to science fiction. The collection also features audio described videos, talking books in different languages and children's Braille picture books.
. Library members are assisted with their choice of material, which is distributed free-of-charge in the mail. Alternatively, members can select books from the library catalogue via the Internet or over the telephone.
. Other reading material such as the latest magazines and regional newspapers are also available in audio format.
. Registered library members may also choose to listen to voice recordings of national key publications over the telephone.
. There is also a Digital Club email list that provides clients with updates and changes to the library service along with new titles regularly.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
The following people are eligible for our library services:
. A person without sight
. A person whose sight is severely impaired. A person unable to hold or manipulate books or to focus or move his or her eyes.
. A person with a perceptual disability
. People who have non English language based or other learning disabilities are not eligible unless they fit within the criteria above.
REFERRAL
The Vision Australia Library and Information Service requires a referral from one of the following people:
If the applicant has a vision impairment:
. Ophthalmologist; optician; orthoptist; general medical practitioner; orientation and mobility instructor; public library chief librarian; social worker; welfare officer; special education teacher; speech pathologist; nurse; psychologist; neurologist.
If the applicant has a physical or perceptual impairment (e.g. a person unable to hold or manipulate books):
. Orthopedic surgeon; physiotherapist; occupational therapist; general medical practitioner; social worker; welfare officer; speech pathologist; public library chief librarian; special education teacher; nurse.
HOW TO JOIN THE LIBRARY
An application form needs to be completed and returned it to the Library. All queries about the service can be directed to the Library's Member Liaison section (see contact details).