Audio Books For The Blind
About a million non-institutionalized adults in America suffer from blindness. The treatment of blind people has improved significantly over time, with special services allowing them to lives that resemble non-blind people. For instance, Louis Braille invented his universal Braille system in 1924, which was used to print and write for blind people. Additionally, professionals train guide dogs to guide and defend their sightless masters. After World War I, professionals trained these dogs to assist veterans who had been blinded. Likewise, an audio book for the blind is specially created to aid those without sight.
The Library of Congress
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS)
The history of the audio book for the blind began in 1931. During that year, the U.S. Congress established The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS). The Library of Congress was to oversee this governmental service. Further legislation during the 1950s and 1960s enlarged the program of audio book for the blind. Amazingly, from a mere 19 libraries in 1931, the system of libraries for the blind has exploded to almost 60 regional and nearly 80 sub-divisional libraries all over the United States. Through a national network of cooperating libraries, NLS administers a free library program of Braille and audio materials circulated to eligible borrowers in the United States by postage-free mail.
A network of regional and sub regional libraries provides a free library service to persons who are unable to use standard printed material because of visual or physical disabilities. Library patrons can expect to borrow audio or braille books such as they might find in print at a local public library. Books and magazines in audio form (talking books) and Braille are delivered to eligible readers by postage-free mail and are returned in the same manner. Specially designed phonographs and cassette players are also loaned free to persons who borrow talking books from their library.
Local Library Service
NLS provides some services directly, but the basic collection of braille and audio books is available in the United States only through one of the cooperating libraries.
Building on a basic collection of audio and braille titles that we provide, regional and sub regional libraries try to add books and magazines of local interest. Some libraries loan videos with audio descriptions designed for those who cannot see. During the summer, libraries try to offer reading programs for young, school-aged readers. Readers register with the library that serves their area and can take advantage of these local services in addition to the basic national collection provided by NLS.
How does NLS select which books to record as an audio book for the blind? These texts typically are the same variety that can be borrowed from public libraries. The books selected are considered for recording when they are listed in reliable bibliographies or receive positive reviews in publications that are circulated nationally. The goal of NLS is to provide an audio book for the blind that include classics and reading that informs, in addition to entertaining writings that appeal to readers of all ages. These include the genres of science fiction, romances, mysteries and westerns; and national bestsellers. This wide variety of audio book for the blind is particularly practical for those who have become blind as older adults. At this stage in life, learning Braille becomes extremely challenging.
After books are selected to be produced, professional narrators record most of them in contractors’ studios. The latter group bids yearly on the production of books. The contractors typically are non-profit companies that provide other services and products for the blind. Furthermore, a tiny number of audio book for the blind is produced in volunteer studios. To remain up-to-date with the latest recording technology, the NLS also sustains a recording studio within its office in Washington D.C.
Like everyone else, those who are blind yearn to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, such as reading. An audio book for the blind allows people without vision, to have one.
Talking Books is a free library service available to U.S. residents and citizens living abroad whose low vision, blindness, or physical handicap makes it difficult to read a standard printed page. Local cooperating libraries throughout the United States mail NLS audiobooks, magazines, and audio equipment directly to enrollees at no cost. Braille books and magazines are also available to patrons at no cost. If you or someone you know is interested in receiving Talking Books, please submit the following form. To speak to a librarian in your service area during normal business hours, call 1-888-NLS-READ (toll free) and follow the prompts. Your call will be connected to the appropriate library.
Audio Books & Reviews:
