March 1-7 marks Talking Books Week in Kansas. Talking Books Week commemorates the Pratt-Smoot Act of 1931 that enabled the distribution of free library materials for the blind.
Talking Books are a little different from regular audio books, said Southeast Kansas Library Systems Special Needs Consultant Diane Stines.
“Talking Books is not audio books,” Stines said. In an audio book, “If it’s a story about cows there might be cows mooing.” In a Talking Book, “it’s just the words” Stines said. Aural clutter is eliminated because some hearing impaired individuals have trouble differentiating sounds, she said. And although the books are on tapes that look like cassettes, “It will not play in a regular machine” Stines said.
Talking Books are a service provided, free of charge, to the “print handicapped,” physically or visually impaired or blind adults and children who otherwise would not be able to enjoy the written word. Recorded books and magazines are sent directly to a user’s home, by mail, along with the equipment to use the materials.
Stines coordinates Talking Books and other services for 15 counties in southeast Kansas.
“I work with 90 activity directors,” she said, as well as schools’ special needs teachers, low vision support groups, Alzheimer’s support groups and others.
Those needing services should contact their local librarian, Stines said.
In Allen County, the Iola Public Library has a collection of Talking Books, reminiscing kits, Braille books and recreation therapy kits. They also have assistive devices such as large-print bingo cards, raised image dominoes and extra large magnetic poetry kits.
“These all can be checked out,” she said.
In Kansas, more than 40,000 individuals are eligible for the service, said Stines. Still, many are unaware it exists, which is the reason behind Talking Books Week, she said.
The service is set to go digital in the next few months, providing patrons with even more options.
No comments:
Post a Comment