Resources for People with Hearing Disabilities
- A sign language interpreter for programs and events is made available to you free of charge whenever possible. Fill out the Accessibility Accommodation Request form ten business days in advance to request a sign language interpreter.
- Online application process to obtain a library card
- Library events on Zoom include live captions. Learn about enabling live captions in this how-to guide.
Resources for People with Visual Disabilities
- Font size and contrast options are available for our website. Click "Accessibility" at the bottom of the website for options.
- Large-type books
- A Digital Collection with e-books, audiobooks, movies and music
- Books on CD
- Screen reading and zoom software installed on public PCs.
- Narrator – is a screen reader that describes what’s on the screen.
- Display and vision – allows customization for cursor, text, color etc.
- Live captions – catch every word from any audio with live captions.
- Voice access: Command and Control PC with your voice
- Readlong Books for children called Vox books
Resources for People with Mobility Disabilities
Resources for Neurodiverse People
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Sensory kits provide a broad range of benefits to many people. For children, sensory toys help support their brain development, language development, and social skills by encouraging problem solving through providing or reducing tactile, visual, or auditory stimulation. Sensory kits can also help people of all ages channel excess energy and promote neuroplasticity by improving their mood, balance, and memory. You can find sensory kits at all APLD locations by visiting a service desk.
- Take a digital tour of our locations so you can feel prepared for your visit
- A quiet room is available at the Eola Road Branch and private study rooms can be reserved at all locations.
Additional Resources
The Talking Book and Braille Service (TBBS) provides audio and braille library service via mail or digital download to any Illinois resident who is unable to read standard print material due to a permanent or temporary visual or physical disability. It is available through the Illinois State Library.
Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) makes available books and magazines from the vast NLS collection selected on the basis of their appeal across a wide range of interests. More than 115,000 audio and braille fiction and nonfiction titles are available, including some in languages other than English. Issues of more than ninety magazine titles are also available. NLS adds new titles regularly, including specially acquired music scores and music appreciation books. More information can be found at the Library of Congress website.