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Accessible Technology
If you or someone you know has a vision or hearing impairment, the Orange County Public Library has tools to make it easier to use our collections, services, and programs.
Tools for Vision or Hearing Impaired Customers
- Assistive listening systems, available upon request - Hillsborough
- Handheld magnifiers - Hillsborough and Carrboro
- Kindles preloaded with e-books - Hillsborough
- Large desktop magnifier - Hillsborough
To schedule an appointment for a demonstration of our portable equipment at your community organization, contact Jason Richmond.
Low Vision Reading Materials
- Audiobooks - Hillsborough and Carrboro
- Audiobooks for download through Libby and hoopla - Hillsborough and Carrboro
- Large print books - Hillsborough only (with regular courier service to our Carrboro location; see desk staff for more information)
Additional Resources
Established in 1991, the Triangle Disability Awareness Council assists communities to implement the American for Disabilities Act through education, training, and other initiatives.
Orange County’s Department of Social Services helps with eye certification, adjustment and self-support, orientation and mobility, and counseling.
The North Carolina Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped provides services for persons who cannot use regular printed material because of a visual or physical disability. Librarians in Hillsborough or Carrboro can help you register for their services. Once registered, you can:
- Borrow books, magazines, and large print and braille books
- Check out digital talking book players
- Request materials be mailed to you, if you live in North Carolina
Bookshare is an accessible online library for people with vision impairments. Free memberships are available for U.S. students.
How We Made This Happen
We received a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the federal Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the State Library of North Carolina.
Our planning partners included the Triangle Disability Awareness Council, Orange County’s two school systems, and other Orange County Government departments who serve those with vision and hearing disabilities.
“Working with the Orange County Public Library has been rewarding! The entire staff's attitude towards accessibility and those with disabilities is more than genuine. Their attitude is contagious to those who visit the library.”
Tim Miles, Triangle Disability Awareness Council