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State Library Highlights Services for Visually Impaired During Blindness Awareness Month, October 2016
[September 28, 2016]

State Library Highlights Services for Visually Impaired During Blindness Awareness Month, October 2016


In New Jersey, public libraries are at the heart of their communities and play an important role in reaching out to those with print impairments. The New Jersey State Library's Talking Book & Braille Center (TBBC) has joined forces with state agencies and organizations focused on serving New Jersey's visually impaired, to enhance access to assistive technology across the state. To help raise awareness during Blindness Awareness Month, which takes place annually during the month of October, TBBC is highlighting all of its assistive technology services through a webpage on the State Library website: http://www.njstatelib.org/accessibility/.

TBBC has partnered with select public libraries to provide the following programs, at no additional cost to residents:

  • The Library Equal Access Program (LEAP) provides free computer and iPad training classes at assistive technology learning centers located in seven public libraries across the state. Training includes beginner and advanced level instruction on how to use reading magnification and audio tools to read websites, emails and other documents, as well as an introduction to using the assistive technology features now available on iPads. This program is sponsored by the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBI), and targets adults 55 years of age and older.
  • TBBC has also arranged trainings to teach veterans how to use the assistive technology features on iPads, to help reduce the digital divide for veterans with visual impairments or blindness by introducing them to new technologies that can assist them in their daily living. The training includes magnification and text-to-speech features, as well as an introduction to using assistive apps. This program was made possible through a grant from Disability Rights New Jersey.



Instruction for both programs will be provided by Advancing Opportunities, leader in assistive technology training.

"Public libraries are learning centers for new technology," said Adam Szczepaniak, deputy state librarian and director of TBBC. "These initiatives help boost that level of learning to include not only assistive software for those with vision impairments, but training, as well, which is in high demand by those who need assistance learning how to use an iPad, or who need help browsing the internet because their vision is changing."


New Jersey's Blind Awareness Month resolution from the Assembly was sponsored by Assemblyman Louis D. Greenwald and by Assemblywoman Pamela R. Lampitt, both of District 6 and was signed into law by Governor John Corzine in 2009.

About the New Jersey State Library

The New Jersey State Library (NJSL), an affiliate of Thomas Edison State University, connects people with information and resources through its service to libraries, government and people including those with special needs. NJSL's mission has expanded since its establishment in 1796 to lead in the provision, promotion and support of high quality library and information services to all the people of NJ. Led by State Librarian Mary Chute, NJSL coordinates, promotes and funds the NJ Library Network by providing advisory and technical information and services to support NJ's libraries in the fulfillment of their missions. NJSL also provides support for public, school, academic, and special libraries, and continues to promote services for learners of all ages, including key areas of continuing need such as digital literacy, business outreach, workforce development, and summer reading programs. NJSL continues its focus on innovation and future trends, and seeks out exemplary models and technologies that can help assist the NJ library community in remaining relevant and essential community anchors. For more information, visit www.njstatelib.org.


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