Blind, Visual Impairment, Print Disabled:

• Bookshare: An Accessible Online Library for people with print disabilities.
• New York State Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL). Free digital materials and player are available to eligible patrons by application from the library. Applications for adults and youth, and instructions on how to join the TBBL are available online.
•  BARD: Braille and Audio Reading Download: Once they are registered with the TBBL program, patrons are eligible for BARD . For more information see  www.nysl.nysed.gov/tbbl/bard/
  • • BARD application instructions
• Sources for textbooks in alternative formats (cassette recordings, Braille and large print).
• Large Print: There are over 20,000 Large Print books in the MHLS Public Library Catalog. You can view just the Large Print materials by choosing Advanced Search, then select Large Print from the Format drop-down list.
• Additional resources for people with print disabilities:
  • Lighthouse International
  • Learning Ally (formerly Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic)

Deaf or Hearing Impairment:

• TTY – this service is available through an Internet based relay service.
• ADA design standards for libraries
• Disability.gov: disability related information and resources from the federal government.

Independent Living:

• Independent Living Centers serving the Mid-Hudson Library System area:
  • Columbia/Greene County
    • Capital District Center for Independence
    • Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley
  • Dutchess County
    • Taconic Resources for Independence
  • Putnam County
    • Putnam Independent Living Services
    • Westchester Independent Living Center
  • Ulster County
    • Resource Center for Accessible Living
• Independent Living USA
• New York State Independent Living Council, Inc.