Search
Special Needs and Outreach Resources
KPL is dedicated to providing full library service to all individuals, regardless of physical, mental, or cognitive impairment. Listed below are special needs resources available in or through the library.
For MOBILITY impaired individuals:
-
Southwest, Northside, and Uptown branches are ADA accessible buildings; Simmons Library and the Bookmobile are not, but staff work with individuals to accommodate their needs or refer to the proper branch.
-
Southwest and Northside libraries provide motorized scooters for in-library use.
For VISUALLY impaired individuals:
- Large Print books – 16 point print and larger, available at most locations or by reserving through the Katalog.
- Audio format books – Cassette, CD, and down-loadable – available at all locations and through Overdrive
- Descriptive videos and DVDs – narrated movies and documentaries, available at Southwest and Northside or by request at other locations.
- Playaways – a small audio player that comes preloaded with an entire audiobook, regardless of length. Available at Southwest Library or through the Katalog for delivery at the library of your choice.
Adaptive equipment available through KPL:
-
Reading Edge – translates print material into audio format available at Northside Library. Call (262) 564-6131 for an appointment.
-
Brailler – a typewriter that prints in Braille – for checkout or in-house use at Northside and Southwest.
-
Video Magnifier – in-house use at Southwest and Northside only – magnifies print and 3-dimensional objects – color and magnification are adjustable.
-
Audio format books – Cassette, CD, and down-loadable – available at all locations and through Overdrive
-
JAWS for Windows is a screen-reading software program that makes Windows and the Internet accessible to blind and visually impaired individuals.
-
MAGic® is a screen magnification software program that can magnify computer screens up to 36 times and gives many options for color, brightness, contrast, etc., to personalize screen views for low-vision individuals.
Links to Other Resources:
-
Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library – KPL acts as liaison to this federal program that provides Talking Books to individuals with visual, physical, or cognitive disabilities that limit their ability to read. Milwaukee Public Library houses Wisconsin’s regional outlet. Once registered, individuals receive and return audio or Braille books free of charge through the U.S. Postal Service. Northside Library maintains a small supplementary collection of Talking Books. Applications are available at all KPL reference desks. For more information or to download an application visit the website.
-
Newsline for the Blind – free reading service for current national and local newspapers and selected magazines. Provided by the National Federation of the Blind.
Special Needs Services:
-
Deposit Collections – Bookmobile staff delivers small collections of Large Print books to nursing homes and assisted living centers for residents’ usage.
-
Homebound Delivery – For residents east of I-94 who are prevented from visiting the library by a long-term illness or disability, and who have no family or friends able to assist them with library service. Homebound residents are assigned to a Northside librarian who selects books and other materials and arranges for delivery to residents’ homes.
-
Semi-Homebound Accommodations – Same qualifications as Homebound Delivery, but a family member or friend picks up and delivers pre-selected materials to the homebound individual.
Contact us at (262) 564-6131 or by email for more information on any of these services.
