View resources for:
Low Vision | Blind | Deaf & Hard of Hearing
Mobility Impairments | Learning Disabilities
Low Vision
Magnification Devices
A variety of hand-held magnification devices ranging from 1.5x to 4x magnification are available for check out from Service Desks at every library location in the system. Helpful for reading print materials.
CCTV (Closed Circuit Television)
Designed for people with low vision
Enlarges text up to 50x
Changes color of print & background
Creates sight lines both vertically and horizontally
Available for use at the following locations:
Computer Software
MAGic Version 9.30 Enlarges computer screen images for people with low vision. Works like a magnifying glass for the computer by magnifying image 1x 16x.
Other features include:
Supports reading .pdf documents in Adobe Acrobat or Reader 6.01 or later.
Five magnification views.
Cursor enhancements assist in locating and following the cursor.
Color enhancements improve screen legibility by adjusting contrast, brightness and color.
Available for use at the following locations:
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Main Library: Childrens Division, Classroom, Reference Division, Nashville Room, and Library Services for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing
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Madison Branch
Monocular Telescopes & Binoculars
Monocular scopes ranging from 4x12 to 10x20 magnification.
Binoculars available from 5x to 10x21 magnification.
Available at the following location:
For People who are Blind
Scanner Readers
VERA (Very Easy Reader) & SARA (Scanning and Reading Appliance) are free-standing devices that will scan a page or an entire book and read it back to you.
Utilizes the same software as Open Book.
Available for use at the following locations:
Refreshable Braille Display
Braille Lite 40 portable device with 40 braille cells that may be used as a note-taking device or when attached to a computer will read the encrypted text version of the screen image in braille.
Available for use at the following location:
Open Book Computer Software
Open Book Version 7.20 Designed for people with low vision or people who are blind.
Scans text from a book or magazine and reads it
aloud.
Can enlarge text, change color, change spacing or even allow you to edit the text.
Available for use at the following locations:
JAWS Computer Software
JAWS Version 6.0 Computer screen reader program designed for people who are blind.
Provides access to software programs (i.e. Microsoft Word) and the Internet by reading the information that appears on the computer monitor out loud.
Can also send information to the refreshable Braille display.
Available for use at the following locations:
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Main Library: Childrens Division, Classroom, Reference Division, and Library Services for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing
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Bordeaux Branch
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Edmondson Pike Branch
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Green Hills Branch
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Hermitage Branch
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Madison Branch
Duxbury Computer Software
Duxbury Version 10.3 Braille translation software that converts English print into Braille.
Available for use at the following location:
Braille Embosser
Versa Point Duo Braille Printer and sound proof cover. Can print two sides at once and offers adjustable line spacing.
Available for use at the following location:
Audio Cassette Player
Makes books on tape accessible for usage in the library.
Available at the following location:
Nashville Talking Library
Provides current reading materials including books, magazines, and daily newspapers via free radio receiver to eligible listeners (visually impaired or disables) in the Middle Tennessee area. Call 862-5874 for information.
For People who are Deaf & Hard of Hearing
Assistive Listening Devices
FM devices that amplify sound for hard of hearing individuals. Allows each person to individually adjust the sound level to his/her needs.
Receivers, headsets and neck loops are available for public usage in meeting rooms and theaters within the Main Library
Available in the following locations:
Kits
Including transmitters, receivers, headsets, and neck loops are available for use in branch locations for library programming and are available for loan to the public.
Requests for individual usage and check out and return only at:
Open Captioning
The library has the capability to provide CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) or realtime captioning for live programming offered by the Nashville Public Library. At least 72 hours advance notice must be given, and more, if possible.
Available at the following location:
Requests for CART Services should be made at:
Sign Language Oral Interpreting
Sign language and oral interpreters for deaf people are available for library-sponsored programming. At least 72 hours advance notice must be given.
Several staff members fluent in American Sign Language are available to help individuals for in-house library programs and services.
Requests for interpreters should be made at:
Video Relay Services
A television connected to the internet through a videophone is available for deaf people to make calls through a Video Relay Service - free of charge.
Available for use at the following location:
Library Services for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing
An information resource center regarding all aspects of hearing loss, deafness and deaf-blindness. For information call 862-5750.
http://www.tndeaflibrary.nashville.gov
For People with Mobility Impairments
The Nashville Public Library is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by making the appropriate structural accommodations for people with mobility impairments to utilize all of its buildings and facilities. (e. g. accessible parking and accessible entryways to buildings, etc.)
Additional accommodations include:
Motorized Scooter & Wheelchairs
A motorized scooter and wheelchairs provided for usage in the Main Library.
On-site requests for the scooter and wheelchairs may be made at:
Adjustable Computer Tables
Computer access is made easier with electric push-button tables that are adjustable to any wheelchair height.
Available at the following location:
21 Touch Screen Monitor
People with mobility problems can access software by touching the screen instead of using the keyboard.
Available at the following locations:
For People with Learning Disabilities
WYNN Computer Software
WYNN scans text from book or word processing file and reads aloud to user. Text is highlighted in context as it is spoken aloud.
Masking ability allows the user to mask out all but three words, one sentence, or one paragraph as it is read aloud.
User may enter notes manually (type in) or verbally (spoken aloud).
Other features noted above in Open Book may also be done with this software.
Available at the following locations:
For more information contact:
Sandy Cohen, ADA Coordinator
Nashville Public Library
615 Church Street
Nashville, TN 37219
(615) 862-5752 (Voice/TTY)
(615) 862-5494 (Fax)
sandy.cohen@nashville.gov
The Nashville Public Library is committed to making its facilities, programs, and services accessible to all people, including those with disabilities.
Disabilities
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