ABOUT OUR SERVICES

The Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped provides free services to Oklahomans who are blind or visually impaired. Those with reading disabilities or physical limitations that make it difficult to use standard print also qualify for our services.

The Library provides books, magazines and other materials in audio formats as well as the audio equipment needed to read these materials. There is no cost for library services and no charge to mail the materials back to the library.

Recorded materials are available on digital talking-book cartridges and audiocassettes. Both digital and cassette recordings require specially designed playback equipment which is loaned free to eligible individuals and institutions. Only headphones and amplified headphones with miniplugs will work with the digital player.

APPLICATIONS FOR LIBRARY SERVICE

The following persons are eligible for service: Residents of the United States, including territories, insular possessions, the District of Columbia, and American citizens living abroad.

1. Blind persons whose visual acuity, as determined by competent authority, is 20/200 or less in the better eye with correcting lenses, or whose widest diameter of visual field subtends an angular distance no greater than 20 degrees.

2. Other physically handicapped persons are eligible as follows:

a. Persons whose visual disability, with correction and regardless of optical measurement, is certified by competent authority as preventing the reading of regular printed material.

b. Persons certified by competent authority as unable to read or unable to use regular printed material because of physical limitations.

c. Persons certified by competent authority as having a reading disability resulting from organic dysfunction and of sufficient severity to prevent reading regular printed material in a conventional manner.

Eligible Applicants

Nursing homes, libraries, hospitals and schools for the blind or physically handicapped may borrow equipment and reading materials for use by eligible patrons in either a group setting or for individual use. The institution is responsible for keeping a record of the serial numbers of all machines assigned to the institution. Eligible residents, not the institution, are responsible for equipment borrowed directly using individual application.

Public or private schools where handicapped students are enrolled must submit an institutional application as well as individual applications for each student accompanied by certification of eligibility for each applicant.

For music materials, i.e., scores, instructional recordings, music magazines, individual applications must be submitted.

In cases of reading disability from organic dysfunction, certification must be made by a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy who may consult with colleagues in associated disciplines.

Please print, fill out completely, and mail to:

Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

300 N.E. 18th Street

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105

The National Library Service requires an original signature. Do not fax your application.