Visually impaired Islanders benefit from the Prince Edward Island Public Library Service’s DAISY talking books, says Education, Early Learning and Culture Minister Hal Perry.
“Islanders with a print disability can have the joy of reading delivered directly to their own homes thanks to DAISY talking books,” said Minister Perry. “We currently have 50 registered users of the talking books service, with over 1000 talking books borrowed so far this year.”
DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) players and talking books are available to Islanders with print disabilities, including visual, physical, and learning disabilities. They are an audio substitute for print material and they have more advanced features than a traditional audio book. Users can search, place bookmarks, change the speaking speed of the playback, along with many other helpful features.
The PEI Public Library Services partners with the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) to offer services for Canadians with print disabilities. CELA helps libraries provide a broad choice of formats including audio, braille, e-text and described video, along with a choice of delivery options including direct download to computers, handheld devices and DAISY players, CD and braille materials mailed to home, and much more.
“I used to like to read books, but since my eyesight has gone I can't pick up a book and read the writing. Now I listen to the DAISYs,” said Jean Walsh, an Islander with impaired vision. “It’s a great way to read when you are not able to look at and read it. I am happy with the service that CELA provides through the public libraries.”
DAISY talking books are available in French and English through Public Library Headquarters' mail out delivery service or can be borrowed from the Confederation Centre Public Library. For more information, visit www.library.pe.ca/talkingbooks
To learn more about the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) visit http://celalibrary.ca