Did you know that you may qualify to receive free Talking Books, also referred to as audio books, delivered right to your home? The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) offers a free Talking Books program for people with visual or physical disabilities, as well as those with certain reading disabilities.
Who Qualifies for the Talking Books Program?
This program sends recorded books by mail to people who are unable to read “standard” (size 12 font) print. In addition, people with physical disabilities that prevent them from holding a book (such as multiple sclerosis/MS, Parkinson’s, and other muscle-weakening conditions) also qualify. (Even someone with a broken arm could temporarily qualify for Talking Books, until his/her arm heals.)
Connect With Your Local Talking Books Program
To start receiving your audio books, you’ll need to fill out a Talking Books application and send it in to your local Talking Books library. (To find your local Talking Books library, call 1-888-NLS-READ.) Although the Talking Books library is a federal program, it’s administered locally through each state’s Talking Books library.
Applying for Talking Books
The easy-to-fill-out application asks for basic contact information and what type of audio books you like to read. (Download an application, or request one be sent to you from your local Talking Books library.) As part of the application process, you’ll be able to choose whether to have books automatically selected for you based on your reading interests, or based on specific titles that you request from the catalogs that will be sent to you after you sign up.
Once you’ve completed the application, you’ll need to have it signed by someone on your medical team (eye doctor, medical doctor, or nurse), or by a librarian. If you have a reading disability, the application needs to be signed by a medical doctor.
Enjoying Your Audio Books
After you’ve sent the application to your Talking Books library, you should receive your Talking Books player and first books in the mail within a few weeks. After that, you simply mail the books back (postage free, using “Free Matter for the Blind and Physically Handicapped” mail) after you’ve completed them. New books will be sent out when the old books are received. It couldn’t be easier! It’s a great, easy, and fun way to keep up with the latest books or catch up on the classics, so why not sign up for this program now.
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For more information about free audio books and magazines for blind or visual impaired persons, see Vision Impaired Can Receive Free Digital Audio Books and Magazines.
Looking for Free ebooks? Head to Your Library for the Best in “Talking Books!” highlights a free audio book program for blind or visual impaired persons.
