Each year the Vision Australia Library helps thousands of people from the blind and low vision community to enjoy their favourite books and other written materials.
The Library uses a range of traditional resources, as a well as ever-improving technology and innovative methods to support people who are blind or have low vision in accessing written material.
For people unfamiliar with the Library, or for those looking for a new way to enjoy written material, read on for a breakdown of what the Library offers.
DAISY
A compact device, DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) Players have helped audio to become a more accessible format for the blind and low vision community by simplifying how the content is delivered.
In the past the delivery of audio books to Library members relied on using cassette tapes, with up to 35 tapes sometimes needed for one book. Early DAISY Players used compressed files loaded on to CDs so a 25-hour audio book could be delivered on one disk.
Further technological improvements have made the DAISY Players, which are available to borrow through the library, even more convenient.
“Along with being able to compress the file the DAISY CDs allowed people to navigate to specific parts in the book and pick up where they left off, similar to what you can do with a DVD,” Fances Keyland, Library Reader Services Officer, said.
“The newest DAISY Players now mean the books can be delivered directly to the device over Wi-Fi or a 3G network. It means library members can borrow the books they want and not have to worry about waiting for a CD or having to send it back,” Frances said.
The DAISY Players connect only to the Vision Australia Library, so users don’t need to worry about privacy issues or data costs. The devices also have spoken instructions to assist users.
Did you know you can buy your own DAISY devices? The Vision Australia Shop has two DAISY Compatible devices for sale, the PXT1 Pro DAISY Player and the Victor Reader Stream.
Feelix
A Vision Australia invention, the Feelix Library is an important resource for children who are blind or have low vision.
Targeted to children aged 0-7 years-old, the Feelix Library consists combines children’s books with other sensory experiences to assist in children from the blind and low community in enjoying reading and improving their literacy.
A Feelix kits consists of a children’s book in printed, braille and audio form as well as tactile features that relate to the story. The Feelix Library was launched in 2002 and has now grown to having more than 500 members.
Louise Curtin, Feelix Library Project Officer, said the kits are something that seem to bring enjoyment to children and families across Australia.
“We get so many messages from people telling us how they look forward to the Feelix kits being delivered and how much they enjoyment they bring,” Louise said.
“It’s great to know that people are enjoying the kits, but they’re also an important resource in introducing blind and low vision children to reading and helping them develop their literacy. The world is such a print-heavy environment, so it’s important that we have something like the Feelix kits that let blind and low vision children to enjoy and participate in the same things as their counterparts.”
The Feelix kits, which are put together by Vision Australia Library staff, are also provided to preschools and schools to help children continue to develop alongside their peers.
Feelix kits are provided to members via free post, for more information to head to the Feelix Library page.
Braille
While technology such as DAISY has opened up different ways for people who are blind or have low vision to access book, Frances said Vision Australia’s braille resources are still extremely popular.
“We have a huge number of library clients who are very passionate about braille and for them it’s their favourite way of accessing books.
“Because of copyright restrictions Braille can sometimes be the easiest and cheapest way for us to add a book to our collection. We encourage people to send us suggestions of what books they would like us to make available in braille.”
The Vision Australia Library has more than 8000 braille and ebraille titles as well as more than 1200 braille music titles and Frances believes braille resources may soon become even more popular.
“Refreshable braille displays are still expensive, but I think if the prices start coming down we’ll see more people start using them and that will help the popularity of braille.”
Vision Australia Connect App
The free Vision Australia Connect App automatically connects you to the online library catalogue using your smart phone, iPad, tablet, or other compatible device. It is easy to download and use.
The app allows you to either read material straight away or download and read later. Through the app you can quickly and easily search the online catalogue, find what you want and add it to your bookshelf. You can also listen to the Vision Australia Radio via the app.
Visit the Apple app store or the Google Play Store and search for Vision Australia Connect App.
Interested in joining the Vision Australia Library? Call 1300 654 656 or email [email protected].