Materials and Equipment
for the
Visually Impaired
| The National Library Service for Blind and Print Disabled provides
reading materials at no cost to individuals whose temporary or
permanent low vision, blindness, physical disability, or other
disability makes it difficult to read regular print. Services are
administered through a network of cooperating libraries across the
United States. NLS readers may receive materials in two ways: Via
download to a personal device through the Braille and Audio Reading
Download (BARD) app/website or through the United States Postal Service.
In either case, there is no charge. The service is available to all
U.S. residents and citizens living abroad. To learn more about this free library service and receive information on enrollment, please submit the form below. To find your local library or to speak with a librarian, call 1-888-NLS-READ (1-888-657-7323) and follow the prompts or visit the NLS website. The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) loans playback equipment free of charge for use with NLS books and magazines. Both NLS equipment and reading materials are available to individuals who cannot see to read regular print or handle print materials and who are registered for the free library service. Download Reading Materials to Your Own Device!The Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) is a web-based service that provides access to braille and talking books, magazines, and music scores available from NLS. The service is available to registered users of the braille and talking book program through their local braille and talking book library. BARD audio materials can be downloaded onto cartridges and USB flash devices to be used on a talking-book player. If you have a PC, you can BARD Express to download onto cartridges and flash drives for a simplified transfer to your player. BARD Mobile for iOS devices External delivers braille and talking books to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. BARD Mobile for Android External delivers braille and talking books to your Android smartphone or tablet. And BARD Mobile for Fire tablets External delivers braille and talking books on your Amazon Fire tablet. Commercially Available Reading Apps for reading are available from commercial vendors. Braille books and magazines may be also downloaded through the BARD Mobile app, which requires connection to a refreshable braille display via a Bluetooth connection. The BARD website and mobile app are password-protected, and all files are in an electronically downloadable form of compressed audio or formatted braille. BARD is available to registered users of NLS through their local braille and talking book library. Please Note: Access to the BARD web site is restricted to eligible readers. You will need a login ID and password to access it. If you do not have them, review the criteria for participation by reading the BARD application instructions and, if you qualify, request an account. Information Request Form How to Enroll |