The DC Talking Book and Braille Program provides free accessible reading materials to eligible District residents who cannot use standard print because of a disability.
About
The DC Talking Book and Braille Program is operated through the DC Public Library’s Center for Accessibility.
The program is part of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, commonly called NLS.
It provides accessible books, magazines, and reading technology to eligible District residents who cannot read or use standard printed materials because of a qualifying disability.
Services May Include
Digital talking books
Braille books and materials
Accessible magazines
Talking-book playback equipment
BARD digital book downloads
BARD Mobile access
Braille eReader access
Locally recorded accessible materials
Who They Serve
The program serves eligible District residents who cannot read or use standard printed material because of blindness, low vision, a physical disability that prevents reading or handling standard print, or a qualifying reading disability.
Registration and certification of eligibility are required.
This free service gives eligible District residents access to books, magazines, and other reading materials in formats they can use independently.
BARD also allows eligible readers to download accessible books directly to compatible smartphones, tablets, computers, and Braille devices.