BULLETIN BOARD

A Newsletter of the Wisconsin Regional Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped
Winter 2003
Volume 20, Number 3

Library of Congress to put audio magazines online for blind and physically handicapped users

Library patrons who are blind or physically handicapped can soon access selected audio magazines on the Internet thanks to new digital technology at the Library of Congress. In a pilot test to be launched in 2003, selected eligible readers will have access to periodicals produced by the national audio magazine program of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) in the Library of Congress.

The national audio magazine program currently produces 44 magazine titles in a special audiocassette format. These include Good Housekeeping, National Geographic, Sports Illustrated and U.S. News and World Report. Selected titles will be converted to digital audio files suitable for mounting on the NLS Web site. Eligible readers will be provided with electronic identifications and passwords.

"NLS continues to integrate digital technology into the national reading program in a structured, cost-effective and innovative manner," said NLS Director Frank Kurt Cylke. "Internet delivery of audio magazines is part of a long-range plan to incorporate digital distribution methods into all aspects of the program."

The production of audio magazines on the Internet will allow NLS to test the use of the national standard for digital talking books that was recently adopted by the American National Standards Institute and the National Information Standards Organization (ANSI/NISO Z39.86-2002). Audio versions of magazines are comprised of relatively small digital files and will allow NLS to prepare for the more challenging task of producing digital talking books that will contain significantly larger files.

NLS is in the midst of a full-scale transition from analog audio cassettes to digital talking books, a project that will involve converting approximately 30,000 titles (about 10 percent of NLS' collection) from analog tape recordings to master digital recordings, and developing a digital playback device to replace the four-track tape player that has been in service for nearly three decades. NLS has approximately 730,000 audio cassette players in use worldwide today, and maintains an inventory of 23 million cassettes containing audio books and magazines that it circulates free of charge to blind and physically handicapped readers. The digital talking book is anticipated to be nationally available by 2008.

NLS also distributes braille books and magazines on the Internet through its Web-Braille system. Today, more than 2,300 eligible individuals, libraries and schools can access more than 5,000 braille book titles for download or use online with a computer and a braille output device. NLS releases about 50 new braille book titles per month as well as current issues of 25 braille magazines, all of which are immediately available online to users.

Announcements:

Independence First announces WisLoan for the Disabled! WisLoan is an alternative loan program to assist persons with disabilities who live in Wisconsin and wish to purchase assistive technology, adaptive equipment, or make accessible modifications to their homes. Applicants must have a disability or be purchasing assistive technology for a person with a disability. (for example, a grandparent buying a device for a grandchild). Applicants must be residents of Wisconsin. Applicants must be over 18 years old. Assistive technology is defined as "any item, piece of equipment of device that enables an individual with a disability to improve his or her independence and quality of life." Common items include: hearing aids, wheelchairs, modified vehicles, computers with modifications, environmental controls, alternative communication devices, ramps and home accessibility modifications. If you are not sure if the item you need qualifies under the program, please ask. You can apply for the amount you need, but actual loan amounts will depend on the item purchased, the ability to repay and the loan fund capacity. The interest rate is 2% points above prime. (For example, if the prime rate were 4.75%, the interest rate for a WisLoan would be 6.75%). Term lengths depend on amount of loan and item purchased. The focus is on the ability to make the monthly payment to pay back this loan. The reasons for a poor credit record are taken into consideration. Staff at the Independent Living Centers throughout the state can answer your questions and take an application. To find the Independent Living Center that serves your area contact Patti Kraemer at IndependenceFirst 414-225-2910 or 1-877-463-3778 ext. 427 or email pkraemer@independencefirst.org

Resources:

Stairs soon may no longer be insurmountable obstacles for some of the nation's 2 million wheelchair users. The first wheelchair that can climb stairs--plus shift into four-wheel drive to scoot up a grassy hill and even elevate its occupant for eye-level conversation--has been recommended to the Food and Drug Administration for sale. In supporting the move, an advisory panel backed a few limitations on the Independence iBOT 3000 Mobility System, which uses sensors and gyroscopes to balance on two wheels and navigate stairs. The restrictions include requiring a doctor's prescription and training users to ensure safe operation. The panel's recommendations are not bonding, but the FDA usually follows them. It granted the iBOT a special fast-track review reserved for important new medical technology, meaning a decision on allowing sales could come in a few months. Most wheelchairs have two big back wheels and two smaller front wheels. The iBOT has four same-size wheels that rotate up and over one another to negotiate steps. The innovative wheelchair is the product of well-known inventor Dean Kamen, the man behind the two-wheel Segway Human Transporters. He has received kudos from testers for another feature: The chair lifts onto two wheels to elevate its occupant enough to reach high bookshelves or carry on eye-level conversations. While several FDA advisers called the chair potentially revolutionary, they also cautioned that it is not for everyone. Patients must have the use of at least one arm to operate the chair with a joystick and other controls. The current model is meant for large teenagers and adults. Also, users must lean forward or backward, directing the chair to climb up or down as it senses and adjusts to the rider's center of gravity. They must hold onto a stair rail to help guide it or get assistance.

Booklist

A recently retired Wisconsin Regional Library librarian, Constance Pirtle, has made a special gift to LBPH readers. Connie donated funds to Volunteer Services to the Visually Handicapped to record books by Wisconsin romance writers for the Regional Library collection. Titles now available include:

Handeland, Lori. Second Chance. A young widow, with the mortgage on her Missouri horse ranch coming due, takes responsibility for a condemned man to do ranch work--giving herself a second chance at love. RCW 480.

Hoffmann, Kate. Sweet Revenge? Tess Ryan must save Andrew Wyatt, the new love in her life, from her own sister's obsessive revenge plans. RCW 481.

Holmes, Mary Mayer. The White Raven. In 18th-century Devon, beautiful but cloistered Elizabeth St.Mary falls madly in love with the notorious thief-catcher, Cain. RCW 482.

Justice, Ann. Twilight Mist: A Story Of Love On The Great Lakes. During the hot, dry summer of 1871 Katrina Bergeman, a brewer's daughter from Milwaukee, falls in love with a Civil War veteran from Chicago--but can their love protect them from the inferno of the Peshtigo Fire? RCW 484.

Leigh, Ana. The Mackenzies: Jared. Young twin girls decide to play matchmaker between their rancher father and their governess, Kitty Mackenzie. RCW 464.

BULLETIN BOARD is published four times a year by the Wisconsin Regional Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped. It is available in large print, Braille, and audio-cassette editions. The Wisconsin Regional Library makes no recommendations or endorsements concerning any products or services which may appear in this publication.

Wisconsin Regional Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped
813 West Wells Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233-1436
1-414-286-3045 (in Milwaukee)
1-800-242-8822 (in Wisconsin)
1-414-286-3548 (TDD)
1-414-286-3102 (FAX)
lbph@milwaukee.gov (e-mail)
http://wmbph.mpl.org/opac (on-line catalog)

For questions about this information, contact Shiela A. Pollock (608) 224-5395

Last updated on 2/28/2008 8:52:02 AM