Seniors with low vision or disabilities can still enjoy reading
Many older adults still enjoy reading even though their eyesight may have declined with age, they’ve become blind, or they’ve developed a physical disability.
If that happens, traditional books won’t work anymore. And it’s no fun if they’re constantly forced to rely on someone to read to them.
Audio books and braille books allow these seniors to continue reading on their own.
There’s a free braille and audiobook service from the National Library Service, part of the Library of Congress, that allows vision-impaired or physically disabled older adults to continue reading independently.
We explain how this excellent free service works, who’s eligible, and how to sign up.
Free service sends audiobooks and braille books to the house
The National Library Service (NLS) is a free braille and talking book library service for people with vision impairments or physical disabilities that prevent them from holding traditional books.
The free service works through local libraries that send NLS talking or braille books and magazines via mail straight to the home or via instant downloads (account required).
Plus, they also provide easy-to-use playback equipment designed for people with low/no vision.
The NLS offers:
- Braille or audio book formats
- Free mailing to your door or instant downloads
- A wide variety of the most current reading material, including best sellers, biographies, fictional works, how-to books, magazines, and music scores
- BARD mobile app for download and playback anywhere
Who is eligible for NLS books
Who’s eligible (summarized, see full details here):
- Blind persons with 20/200 vision or less in the better eye with correcting lenses
- Persons whose visual disability with correction is certified to prevent reading of standard printed material
- Persons certified as unable to read or use standard printed material due to physical limitations
Who can certify eligibility (summarized, see full details here):
- Doctors of medicine or osteopathy
- Ophthalmologists or optometrists
- Registered nurses
- Therapists
- Social workers
- Professional librarians (in some cases)
How to sign up for NLS books
To apply for the NLS service, follow the instructions here.
Call (202) 707-5100 or 1-800-424-8567 toll-free for additional assistance.
To speak with a local librarian, call 1-888-NLS-READ (1-888-657-7323) toll-free. Your call will be connected to a participating library near you.
Next Step Apply for NLS service or find out more about the National Library Service.
Recommended for you:
- 4 Common Eye Diseases That Cause Blindness in Aging Eyes
- Medicare Vision Coverage: Find Out What’s Included
- Chair Yoga for Seniors: Reduce Pain and Improve Health
By DailyCaring Editorial Team
This article wasn’t sponsored and doesn’t contain affiliate links. For more information, see How We Make Money.
About the Author
Connie Chow
Connie was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also knows how important support is — especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.
I don’t know what device is needed for books on tape. I’m very interested in getting started.
Digital audio and ebraille materials are available through the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) online service. BARD audio materials can also be downloaded onto cartridges and USB flash devices. NLS also loans playback equipment free of charge for use with talking books and magazines. Find out more at https://www.loc.gov/nls/enrollment-equipment/equipment-needed-for-nls-materials/
Irecieveaudiobooksinthemail.Iwouldliketrecieveonmyipad.Thankyou.
The NLS has information about downloading their BARD mobile app that allows you to download audiobooks to your iOS device at this page on their website – https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-library-service-for-the-blind-and-print-disabled/about-this-service/benefits/
My wife is blind. She gets books from the free libary. But most of the books she can not read there bad . Do you rent from you. An she can play them on her I phone for the blind Apple 6 .
We share 2 additional sources of audio books in this article – Entertain and Engage Seniors with Books on Tape https://dailycaring.com/stimulate-senior-minds-with-books-on-tape/
Hopefully you’ll be able to find some books that your wife will enjoy.