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King County Library System
Library Collections and Services for the Disabled
Accessibility at Your
Library
Adaptive Equipment & Services For Low Vision Users
Assistive Devices
Special Collections
-Audio Books (eBooks and Audio eBooks.)
-Large
Print Books
-Videos and DVDs
Reserve a PC
Library Events and Classes
Delivery Services for the
Disabled
Contact Us
Accessibility at Your Library
Assistive devices to help accommodate vision and hearing limitations are available for check out from the library, including the following:
Text-enlarging machines are available at the Kirkland and Bellevue libraries.
A device that converts text to speech is available at the Bellevue and Burien libraries.
- Computers equipped with text-enlarging and screen-reading software are available at the following libraries:
Special Collections
Audio Books
Also known as “books on tape,” Audio Books are available at all KCLS libraries in standard cassette and CD formats. Patrons can place holds on specific titles.
eBooks
Reading software can enlarge text or convert text to speech on eBooks, which are downloaded to a computer or electronic reader. The following links provide options for enlarging text and overall readability:
Another way to listen to a book is via a digital audio device, or MP3 player. Checked out just like a book, Audio eBooks come pre-loaded on an MP3 player. They also can be downloaded on personal computers.
Large Print Books
Print books with large text are available at all KCLS libraries. Patrons can place holds on specific titles.
Videos and DVDs
Available at all KCLS libraries, videos and DVDs offer closed captioning or subtitle features. Descriptive audio also is available for people with visual disabilities.
Reserve a PC
Reserve a PC online (you must have a library card number and pin number) or call your library. You can reserve a PC with text-enlarging and screen-reading software.
The library system is committed to providing one workstation per library that runs JAWS and MAGic software, which may be reserved in advance by patrons. JAWS software allows information from a computer screen to be heard out loud and MAGic software magnifies information on a computer screen, also allowing users to hear it through a speech synthesizer.
Library staff can assist patrons with reserving a workstation and also can help them use the software.
Library Events and Classes
Available at all KCLS Libraries, special accommodations for library events and classes may be made by contacting the library prior to programs.
Delivery Services for the Disabled
Delivery of library materials is available for people who have difficulty walking, carrying books, seeing titles of books on shelves, or who are unable to drive and expect to need help for at least four months. For more information on these services KCLS uses the the Telecimmunications Relay Service (711)
for deaf and hard-of-hearing people or those with speech dificulties.
The Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) permits persons
who are deaf and hard-of-hearing or those with speech difficulties to
use the telephone system via a text telephone (TTY) or other device to call
persons with or without such disabilities.
Contact Us
Assistive Devices
A selection of assistive devices are available for check out from the library. These devices are organized into categories of dressing, kitchen tasks, household management, reading and writing, leisure, communication, and computer access. You can browse the devices using this online catalogue. To access the devices in the Library Catalog, type “WATAP” in the title field and you will get a list of the devices. You can then choose and place a hold on a device using your library card. You can then have the held device delivered to your local library branch. If you need help placing a hold, please call your local library and someone will assist you
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Last Updated:
April 30, 2008