LBPD News Vol. 13 No. 2 September 2008 Washtenaw County LBPD P.O. Box 8645 4135 Washtenaw Avenue Ann Arbor , MI 48107-8645 (734) 973-4350 1-888-460-0680

Digital Talking Books*

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) is converting from talking books in a cassette format to a digital format.  Recordings will be stored in flash memory, similar to digital camera cartridges.  Talking book cartridges will be about the size of a cassette and beveled on one end so they will fit into the machine in only one way.  In most cases, one cartridge will hold an entire book with no need to turn it over or flip switches.  The Digital Talking Book (DTB) machine will be roughly 6x9x2 inches and weigh slightly more than 2 pounds.

The debut of the DTB machine and cartridge is scheduled for spring of 2009.  By law, veterans who want a DTB machine will have first priority.  We are taking requests now, however, supply may not equal demand for the first few years.  The current cassette player will be needed for magazines and for older books that have not yet been converted to the digital format.  Call locally 734-973-4350 or toll free 1-888-460-0680 to let us know that you want to be put on the waiting list for a digital player.

*Reprinted from Library of MI SBPH Focus.
 
 

Download Project

Library patrons who are eager to read digital books before the free NLS machine is available can download books from an NLS website and play them on one of three machines available for purchase.  The Victor Stream developed by HumanWare is a small. 4x6 inch battery operated player which must be purchased by the individual from a vendor.  Braille Plus Mobile Manager can be purchased through the American Printing House for the Blind.  The third option is the Icon by LevelStar.  Prices range from $300 to $1,400 depending on the machine you choose.  A computer with a high-speed internet connection is necessary for download.  Once the book is on your computer as a .zip file it can be unpacked and copied to your player.  There are currently more than 12,000 digital books and 19 magazines available for download.  To sign up, go to www.nlstalkingbooks.org/dtb.
 
 

Technology Training Courses

LBPD Trainer Nick Wilcox and MEE, Inc. owner Mike Ellis are planning several new workshops this fall:

• Is the Computer for Me?  Thursday, October 9, 10:00am - Noon;  Beginner level
• Using the PC for Research  Thursday, October 23, 10:00am - Noon;  Intermediate level
• Manage Your Music Collection on a PC  Thursday, November 6, 10:00am - Noon;  Intermediate level
• Downloading Books from NLS and Bookshare Anytime  Thursday, November 20, 10:00am - Noon;  Intermediate level

Also remember that free technology training opportunities are available by simply contacting the Library.
 
 

Reconstructing Life Stories

If you have been thinking about writing your memoirs, this is the time!  We're offering a new workshop, Reconstructing Life Stories, facilitated by U-M social work librarian Sally Haines.  Sally has facilitated memoir writing workshops at Ann Arbor District Library and elsewhere.  Past class participants praise Sally for creating a comfortable atmosphere where they feel safe to share their thoughts to the small group and to receive helpful suggestions and encouragement.  Sign up now for this five-week workshop which will meet weekly from 1:00pm - 3:00pm at the Library beginning Friday, October 24.
 
 

Flower Power!

Don't know what to do with the fresh-cut flowers you bought from the store or the ones you picked from your garden?  Come to Flower Power! on Thursday, October 30 from 1:00pm - 3:00pm with florist Linda Briggs.  Linda will teach you a basic design for arranging flowers in a vase.  Join the fun and take home a beautiful arrangement.  Space is limited, so sign up now!
 
 

Holiday Craft Project

Join Zoe Brown on Tuesday, December 2 from 1:00pm - 3:00pm to create a holiday wreath or centerpiece to take home.  Sign up now, as space is limited!  Supplies are provided.
 
 

You Are Invited!

Annual LBPD Holiday Party on Thursday, December 18 from Noon - 2:00pm.
 
 

September - December 2008 Activities
(Does not include Many Ways of Seeing or Braille Instruction)

VOTE Using AutoMARK

In November, voters with disabilities will be able to vote privately and independently by using the AutoMARK Voter Assist Terminal available to all voters at all precincts.  The AutoMARK is a ballot-marking device that allows voters to to mark their ballot through the use of a touch screen, Braille keypad, or with the aid of personal equipment such as a sip/puff device or foot pedal.  Voters can view the ballot using a touch screen which features magnification and contrast features.  Or, using provided headsets, voters can listen to an audio version of the ballot which can be adjusted for volume and speed.  Poll workers are able to assist you at each precinct.  Just ask!

Ann Arbor’s Coalition for Voter Access demonstrated the AutoMark voting machine which is currently available at polling sites provides the opportunity for seniors and voters with disabilities to vote privately and independently.

Washtenaw County 2008 Voter Guide

If you're interested in a free copy of the 2008 November General Election Voter Guide for Washtenaw County in Braille, computer disc, or audio tape, please contact Sonia Matthews at the Library.  Voters Guides in alternative formats are made possible through the Coalition for Voter Access. 
 
 

Braille Instruction

Would you like to learn enough Braille so you can identify floor numbers in an elevator, or perhaps you would like to be able to read books in Braille?  Lisa Marchione from the MI Commission for the Blind will offer free bi-weekly Braille Instruction at the Library beginning October 2.  Call us now to let us know if you're interested.