| Assistive Technology refers to the special services and assistive devices the library offers to help make it possible for a person with a visual, hearing or speech impairment to access materials, equipment and services. Devices available in the library system range from simple hand-held magnifying glasses to complex computers that convert print into synthesized speech or Braille. Library materials for persons with visual, hearing, or speech impairments and their families include books, periodicals, closed-captioned videos for persons who are hearing impaired and descriptive videos for persons who are visually impaired. The library's on-line catalog may be searched by subject, title or keyword for items in all formats.
Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) Persons who are deaf, hearing, or speech impaired may contact the Miami-Dade Public Library System without difficulty via a Telecommunication Device for the Deaf/TDD. A separate phone line for TDD communication is provided at the following locations. The TDD allows users to send text messages back and forth via a keyboard.
Main (305) 375-2878
South Dade (305) 233-8146
Connections (305) 474-7258
Florida Relay Service (FRS) is a telephone relay service provided by the State of Florida for persons with hearing or speech impairments. The FRS provides a communication link between people who use standard telephone equipment and those individuals who use a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD). A communication assistant at a FRS center answers the call and serves as a liaison between the person using the TDD and the person using the standard telephone equipment. Persons without hearing impairments who are trying to reach individuals who use a TDD may also use the service. All conversations are confidential. There is no charge for local calls and long distance calls are offered at discounted rates. To use FRS simply call the toll-free number:
1-800-955-8771 (TDD)
1-800-955-8770 (Voice)
1-800-955-8013 (Voice/TDD)
Assisted Listening Devices (ALDs) are instruments that are designed to amplify sounds to make it easier for persons who are hearing-impaired to enjoy a library program. The devices come in a variety of sizes - for large groups or small conference rooms, and can be used with different types of hearing aids or alone with headphones. Please notify the Branch Manager at least seven working days in advance of the program you wish to attend to give the Branch Manager time to have the ALD available.
Sign Language Interpretation of any library program can also be requested by a patron. Please notify the Branch Manager at least seven working days in advance, to arrange for the interpreter.
ALIS (Accessible Library Information System) is an automated system that integrates a PC, scanner, laser printer, Braille printer, and specialized software. It can convert printed materials and online information into synthesized speech, large print, or Braille output. This system allows a person who is blind to access the Internet using synthesized speech. Because of the complexity of the system, patrons must be already familiar with PC operation to use it. The ALIS is located in the Periodicals Department at the Main Library. Patrons wishing to use the ALIS should call the Periodicals Department at 305-375-5581 to reserve a time slot.
CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) Magnifier uses a camera system combined with a television to enlarge or magnify the size of an image. The CCTV also enables you to alter the contrast, viewing the image as either black print on a white background or vice versa. It may be used for viewing anything from books, pictures, maps and photographs to handwritten letters. Some patrons with visual impairments find it helpful when writing and drawing. Please note that copies cannot be printed from this device. The following libraries have CCTV magnifiers:
Main Library – Periodicals Department
Miami Beach Regional – Adult Reading Room
North Dade Regional – Talking Books Reading Room
South Dade Regional – Reference Department
South Miami Branch – Adult Reading Room
Sunny Isles Branch
Zoom Text is magnification and reading software, which enables computer users to enlarge the words they are viewing on the monitor. ZoomText helps make computers accessible and friendly to users with low-vision. To better serve people who are visually impaired, the Miami-Dade Public Library has made ZoomText software available on one computer at each branch throughout the library system. |
