Q. When did the Talking Books Program come into existence?
A. The Talking Books Program was established by an act of Congress in 1931 to serve blind adults. It was expanded in 1952 to include children, in 1962 to provide music materials, and again in 1966 to include individuals with other physical impairments that prevent the reading of standard print.
Q. Who is eligible for the Program?
A. Any resident of the United States or American citizen living abroad who is unable to read or use standard print materials may receive this service.
Q. Who can certify people as eligible?
A. In cases of blindness, visual impairment, or physical limitations, eligibility can be certified by doctors of medicine, doctors of osteopathy, ophthalmologists, optometrists, registered nurses, therapists; and professional staff of hospitals, institutions, public and private welfare agencies (e.g., social workers, case workers), or, in the absence of any of these, by any person whose competence under specific circumstances is acceptable to the Library of Congress.
Q. Can I get Talking Books from my public library?
A. Service is provided directly by a regional or subregional library of the National Library Service for the Blind. Check with the regional library system in your state to determine if there is a Talking Book Library near you.
Q. Are there any costs associated with using the Program?
A. No. There are no costs of any kind to eligible persons.
Q. Are books and magazines recorded by volunteers?
A. Only a few. Insight for the Blind is now the largest volunteer studio in the United States.
Q. How can someone become a volunteer at Insight?
A. New volunteers are always welcome at Insight. They are first invited to the studio for a briefing and tour of the facilities. Next is a short training program on the digital recording equipment. Once this is completed, each new volunteer is posted to a weekly schedule and with staff support, progresses to become a veteran producer of recordings for the blind. If you or someone you know would like to volunteer their time and talents, call the Insight front office, at (954) 522-5057.