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Community Resources

New York State Library for the Blind and Visually Handicapped

Braille, recorded books, magazines on cassettes and flexible disks are loaned to people who are blind or visually impaired.

To leave a message requesting information, call 800-342-3688

For an application call, 800-342-3688 or contact Olmsted Center at 716-882-1025. The web address is: www.nysl.nysed.gov.

Buffalo and Erie County Public Library

The Library is an Erie County distributor of the Talking Book Program. Books on tape and talking book machines are available through branch libraries. Access, facilities and services for the disabled are available.

Resources for the blind and visually impaired include: Braille, large print books, Kurzwell Reading Machine, Voyager Electronic Magnifier and a Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service receiver.

Descriptive Video Rentals: Described movies for people who are blind or have low vision. The web address is: www.buffalolib.org.

Recordings for the Blind

Offers recorded textbooks on four track cassettes. Initial fee is $50.00 and a yearly fee of 25.00. For information and/or an application, call 800-221-4792. The web addresss is: www.rfbd.org.

Recorded Books

More than 4,800 titles are available from 152 categories in CD format; membership required. The web address is: www.booksfree.com.

Choice Magazine Listening

Choice Magazine Listening is a free audio anthology for blind, visually impaired or physically disabled subscribers offering the best of contemporary magazine writing to those unable to read standard print. For information call, (516) 883-8280, Web address is: www.choicemagazinelistening.org.

Large Print Books and Magazines

Found in most public libraries.

Large Print Reader’s Digest: for information, call 800-877-5293. The web address is: https://www.rd.com/offer/rdlp/giftown03/index.jsp?lid=27

Large Print Book Clubs. For information check this web site: www.book-club-offers.com/largeprint or www.amazon.com.

Descriptive Video Services

Descriptive movies for people who are blind or have low vision. For a free catalogue, call 800-333-1203; or to order call 800-736-3099. The web address is: www.youreyes.org/resource/dvs.htm.

Volunteer Braille Group

These groups of volunteers will Braille printed material. Some subjects are available from their loan library. For information, contact Jill Parisio at 716-689-1560.

“Free Matter” for the Blind

Blind persons or those who cannot use or read conventionally printed material due to a physical disability can mail recorded, Braille or large print letters free through the mail. You must have certification of disability and register with your local post office. Call the Main Post Office for more information at 716-846-2434. “Free Matter” rubber stamp for marking envelopes is available at the Resource Center at the Olmsted Center.

Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service

Daily readings of printed material such as newspapers, magazines and books for print handicapped individuals are available. A special receiver is needed to obtain this service. Call 716-821-5555 to arrange for a receiver. The web address is: http://nfrrs.bfn.org/.

DisAbility News and Views Radio

For information and schedules, contact Monica Moshenka, PO Box 1077, Williamsville, NY 14221. The web address is: www.disabilitynewsradio.com.