Assistive Technology and Materials

In-house assistive technology and materials are available for use for our library members and guests. You can find more information regarding access for persons with disabilities on the following page.

 

 

Assistive Listening System

An auditory device that helps those with hearing loss to enjoy program presentations. Available in the Community Rooms in both library buildings.

Books on CD

A collection of fiction and non-fiction titles on CD that lets readers listen to their favorite books when visual and/or tactile abilities are compromised. Available in the Media Center in both library buildings.

Braille Children's Books

Braille overlays are included in these print books for children. Available in the Children’s Room in both library buildings.

CCTV/ Video Magnifier with OCR

The Merlin Elite HD Magnifier with OCR is a full-color closed circuit television system (CCTV) that allows patrons to magnify printed material and also uses Text-to-Speech (OCR) Technology that will read printed material aloud with Nuance Software. Located in both buildings.

Descriptive Videos

A collection of popular movie titles with a descriptive audio track for people who are visually impaired or blind. Available throughout the Suffolk County Library System.

Homebound

Library materials can be delivered directly to a patron’s home when health concerns prevent them from visiting the library. Available through the Northport Library. Click here for more information.

Large Print Books

Fiction and non-fiction titles printed in a larger type size are available for those that have difficulty reading smaller print. Available in the Main Reading Room in both library buildings.

Large Print Keyboards

Available at the Reference desk in both buildings.

SARA

SARA (Scanning And Reading Appliance) can be used to read printed materials or to listen books on CD. Originally designed for those with low vision or a vision disability, SARA can also be of use to those studying ESL or individuals with learning disabilities. The appliance works by scanning a printed page, displaying large print text on a monitor and reading that text aloud to the user.

Tactile Picture Books

Children’s books with raised illustrations. Available in the Children’s Room in both library buildings.

Talking Books Program

A free library service available to U.S. residents and citizens living abroad whose low vision, blindness, or physical handicap makes it difficult to read a standard printed page. Eligible individuals can borrow professionally-recorded books and magazines, along with the special playback equipment needed to listen to them. Materials are sent by postage-free mail from the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library in New York City, a Regional Library of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped of the Library of Congress, serving Long Island and New York City for Braille and Talking Books. Additionally, a small talking book collection is available in the Northport Library and talking book players are available in both libraries. For more information or questions about applications, please contact Outreach Librarian Denise Campbell.

TTY

A TTY (Text Telephone) machine is available for public use and is located next to the fax machine in both buildings.

Victor Reader

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, patrons with visual impairments will be able to borrow one of the Library’s Victor Readers. The Victor Reader is a small, easy-to-use device that allows the user to listen to books that have been downloaded from the national Talking Books Service. If you would like to learn more about registering for the Talking Books Service and borrowing one of the Library’s Victor Readers, please contact a Reference Librarian.

Zoom Text

Software program that magnifies images on a computer screen, facilitating the use of a computer for those with visual impairments. Available on an Internet Station in the Main Reading Room in both library buildings.