Other Assistive Technologies
Many NYPL locations offer access to a variety of devices that provide patrons with disabilities easier access to Library resources.
Assistive Amplification Systems
A system, either infrared or copper induction loop, which relays sound to hearing impaired attendees of library programs, such as lectures, book discussions, readings, and training programs. If possible, call ahead to ensure that the Assistive Listening system will be set up and functioning when you come. Available at:
- Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library: Program Room (has FM Assistive Listening Devices)
- Jefferson Market Library (has FM Assistive Listening Devices)
- Library for the Performing Arts: Bruno Walter Auditorium (has infrared system)
- Mid-Manhattan Library, Computer Training Room, 4th Floor (has FM Assistive Listening Devices)
- Muhlenberg Library: Program Room (has induction loop, and FM Assistive Listening Devices))
- 96th Street Library (has FM Assistive Listening Devices)
- Richmondtown Library (has FM Assistive Listening Devices)
- Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture: Langston Hughes Auditorium (has FM Assistive Listening Devices)
- Stephen A. Schwarzman Building: Bartos Forum, Berger Forum, South Court Auditorium, South Court Classrooms A & B (has infrared system)
Personal Reading Machines
A device that scans printed text and reads aloud in synthetic speech. Available at:
- Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library
- Mid-Manhattan Library, fourth floor (Kurtzweil Reading Edge)
- Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture: Jean Blackwell Hutson Research and Reference Division (SARA scanning and reading machine.)
- Science, Industry and Business Library (Eye-Pal Solo, DaVinci Magnifier and Reader, Kurtzweil Reading Edge)
Closed-Circuit Television Enlargers (CCTVs)
A monitor that enlarges printed material 45-60 times. Available at:
- Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library
- Baychester Library (Optelec ClearView+ enlarger and contrast/color adjuster)
- Bronx Library Center (Merlin, MRLC D19/+ enlarger and contrast/color adjuster)
- Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, room 315 (Optelec ClearView+ enlarger and contrast/color adjuster)
- Mid-Manhattan Library, fourth floor
- New York Public Library for the Performing Arts (Optelec ClearView+ enlarger and contrast/color adjuster)
- Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture: Manuscripts, Archives, and Rare Books Division (Optelec ClearView+ enlarger and contrast/color adjuster)
- Science, Industry and Business Library (DaVinci Magnifier and text to speech reader)
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*
- An iMac with voiceover, zoom, and dictation
- 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
- Juliet 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
Explore More
Accessibility at NYPL
The New York Public Library strives to ensure that everyone is welcome and has access to the full range of information, services, and programs offered in our neighborhood branches and research libraries. Learn more about our services and resources.