For Patrons with Print Disabilities or Visual Impairment

The New York Public Library offers a variety of services for patrons with print disabilities or visual impairment. Find assistive technology, books and materials, and learn about the services we offer.

Assistive Technology in Branches

Screenreader and Enlargers, and other software

Every public PC at all New York Public Library locations is equipped with JAWS screen reading software and Zoomtext Fusion software for enlarging the screen, changing colors and contrast, and screenreading. 

Zoomtext Fusion
Developed for computer users whose vision loss prevents them from seeing screen content, this software reads aloud what's on the PC screen and allows for comprehensive keyboard interaction with the computer.

The Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library offers additional software, as well as coaching and workshops on using them:

  • NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) screen reading software
  • Talking Typing Teacher, for learning to type
  • Braille Blaster braille translation software
  • Tiger Suite tactile graphics software
  • Kurzweil 1000 scanning and reading software

Personal Reading Machines

A device that scans printed text and reads aloud in synthetic speech. Available at:

Closed-Circuit Television Enlargers (CCTVs)

A monitor that enlarges printed material 45-60 times. Available at:

Other Devices at Andrew Heiskell Library

All of the following items are available at the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library for patrons to use on site or to ask for an appointment to have coaching and training on by the Assistive Technology Department. Items with stars should be reserved ahead of time. For appointments to use starred equipment, or to request coaching or training, please call 212-621-0627 or email chanceyfleet@nypl.org. Group workshops are ongoing as well. 

  • ClearView Plus CCTV with Speech, for reading with magnification and speech together. Other CCTVs available too.
  • E.A.S.Y Tactile Drawing Tablet, for creating raised-line drawings*
  • iPad and iPod touch with voiceover, zoom, and dictation*
  • Abisee Ace, for reading hard copy material using magnification, speech, or braille*
  • Victor Stream 2nd generation, for learning to download BARD books wirelessly*
  • KNFB Reader, an app on iPod Touch that allows you to snap a picture of text and have it read out loud and/or magnified*
  • Brailliant braille display, braille input and output for Mac, PC and, iOS devices*
  • ScannR, a scanning machine that reads text aloud
  • Columbia 2  braille embossers
  • National Braille Press titles for onsite reference via electronic text and screenreading, including Tweeting Blind, iOS Without the Eye, Getting the Picture (on blind photography), and more*
  • Federally-provided iBill currency readers
  • Tactileview software for creating and editing tactile graphics
  • Index Everest Embosser for Tactile Graphics
  • ZyChem Swellform machine and swellform paper
  • Ultamaker and Lulzbot 3D printers and Cura software
  • Graphitti refreshable tactile graphics display
  • 3Doodler 3D pens

*must be reserved ahead of time

Books and Materials

The Andrew Heiskell Library  provides free access to over 150,000 professionally-narrated titles in talkingbook, braille, or digital formats for people who are blind, visually impaired, physically disabled, or who have a biologically-based reading disability such as dyslexia. Patrons can have a talkingbooks machine and titles sent free to their home, download titles to keep from our website, or access them through a free app for iOS and Android. You can get reference help or order books through our hotline, email account, or 24-hour voicemail to 212-206-5425.

 NYPL also provides free access for eligible patrons to Bookshare's 1.2 million accessible ebooks / e-audiobooks that can be read from a computer or mobile device. The wide variety of titles are read aloud with synthetic speech and provide simultaneous highlighted text on screen.  Learn more and sign up.

A circulating beginning braille collection is available to anyone with a New York Public Library card. Pre-braille and early braille literacy items such as braille labelers, pattern matching games, and embossed alphabet cards are also available to teachers and families.

The Library also offers:

Digitization of select research materials

Researchers who are homebound or have a print disability or visual impairment can explore many of our research collections online and request digitization of specific items of interest. To request the digitization service, email accessibility@nypl.org.

Programs, Workshops, and Technology Training

The Andrew Heiskell Library offers individual coaching and a large variety of group workshops on topics related to accessible technology. Check the listings on our website or call 212-206-5400 for details. It also hosts many networking groups, resource fairs, writing workshops, accessible art workshops, bookclubs, and other events. All are listed in the quarterly newsletter, available by email, website (text or audio), or over the phone.

Children and teens getting services from the Andrew Heiskell Library can enroll in our adapted Summer Reading Program that uses titles in accessible formats and allows youth to participate remotely, talk to a librarian about books over the phone, and get accessible prizes.