BRING BACK THE ENJOYMENT OF A GOOD BOOK By Brian King, Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
How long has it been since someone you care for enjoyed a novel or learned something new from an interesting work of nonfiction? If it has been a while, is that because he or she struggles to see the words clearly? Or maybe they have a physical condition that makes it uncomfortable or impossible to hold a traditional book for a significant length of time or turn the pages. Caregivers across Oklahoma are taking advantage of a different way to enjoy reading again with audiobooks provided by the Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (OLBPH). Before you move on to another article, thinking this is a sales pitch, let me assure you it’s not. OLBPH services are completely FREE for all users with no strings attached. Also, please don’t jump to conclusions based on our name. The Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped serves people with a wide variety of vision impairments and disabilities – from mild to severe and everything in between. A large percentage of our patrons are seniors who don’t consider themselves “blind” but can no longer use standard print. Many are battling eye problems such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts, or physical conditions such as Parkinson’s and arthritis. Most of our patrons get their audiobooks and magazines through the mail (with no postage due, either coming or going) in the form of digital cartridges. The cartridges are heard through a player that is provided by OLBPH and loaned at no cost to users. Patrons who use a computer, tablet, or smartphone have the option of downloading books and magazines and listening through their personal devices. 20
CAREGIVER Magazine
If you think the number of books to choose from must be fairly small, think again! We have more than 100,000 titles available! The collection includes all kinds of fiction and nonfiction, such as westerns, religion and inspiration, histories, mysteries, biographies, bestsellers, science fiction, and many more. It’s easy to get started… you can get an application right now through our website, www.olbph.org. Click on the Apply tab on the black bar near the top of the page. Then scroll down a little to the “Download Applications” section and open the Individual application. Or you can call 1-800-523-0288 and we will send you a paper form in the mail. When the application is complete, just send it to us in the way that’s most convenient for you: fax, scan & email, or traditional mail. All of our contact information is at the top of the application’s first page. We look forward to helping the people you care for enjoy books and magazines again! Editor’s note: If you or a loved one can benefit from this lifeenriching program, please apply! I would like to extend a personal thank you to Brian King with the Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped for this editorial content and his unwavering devotion and compassion to those he serves. The Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped was recently honored as Regional Library of the Year by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, a division of the Library of Congress. At the state level, OLBPH is part of the Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired division of the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services. This is an extraordinary accomplishment and exemplifies the level of excellence this department sets as its standard. Congratulations!
Issue 19
CaregiverOklahoma.com
