Assistive Devices Page 2

Assistive Devices Page 2

ASSISTIVE DEVICES FOR USE IN THE LIBRARY

Closed Circuit Television Magnifier (CCTV)
camera, monitor, and a platform for reading material. A person with low vision can use a CCTV to read a map or a prescription, to look at photographs, to fill out forms, or to read a letter. There are four different models in the system. They can show images in full color or black and white, and can magnify the image up to 60X.

Phonic Ear FM Assistive Listening System
this wireless FM system amplifies and clarifies sound sources in library programs and meetings. It consists of an FM transmitter to send the desired sound to the FM receiver where it is amplified and delivered directly to the listener's ear.

PockeTalker Personal Listening Device
this amplification device may be used for one-on-one communication. It helps reduce background noise.

Set Of Eight Magnifiers:
Two Standing, Three Lighter, and Three Hand-Held
these magnifiers may be used by patrons in the library for easier viewing. The magnifications range from 2.5X to 6X.

Text Telephone For The Deaf (TTY)
this device enables our library staff to communicate with patrons who are deaf.

In addition, the Fort Myers-Lee County Public Library has The Reading Edge, a Kurzweil Personal Reader. This scans printed text and reads it out loud. Similar to The Reading Edge is an Arkenstone Open Book which is available at the South County Regional Library.

The Fort Myers-Lee County Public Library also has an Adapted Online Public Access Computer. Patrons wishing to search the library's catalog of holdings may magnify the text up to 16X on an oversize monitor or hear a synthesized voice read the text on the screen.

OTHER LIBRARY RESOURCES FOR SENIORS AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

It is the policy of the Lee County Library System to make facilities, materials, services, and programs accessible to all. Individuals with a disability should discuss any difficulty in accessing library resources with library staff; or they may complete a form requesting an accommodation to improve access. The library system will address concerns quickly, courteously, and with as positive a result as is possible for that individual, subject to the available resources of the library and its governing body. Lee County Library System has many services and materials which may be of interest to seniors and persons with disabilities.

Over 31,000 books are available in Large Print format throughout the library system.

Over 3,100 books are available in Audiocassette format. These may be played on standard cassette players and are available at all of the branch libraries.

Reference Services - Patrons do not have to visit the library for answers to information queries. They may telephone to find the address for organizations or famous people, the correct spelling of a word, statistics on a favorite sports team, ingredients for a lost recipe, and hundreds of other information requests. Please call 479-4636.

Sign Language Interpreter Service - may be arranged for programs held in the library system's meeting rooms or for patrons wanting to do extensive reference work with library staff. Please call the Deaf Service Center at 461-0334 voice or TTY to schedule an interpreter. There is no charge for this service.

LOCAL AGENCIES SERVING PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

AGE LINK/HELP LINK
Resource specialists provide information on transportation, support groups, home care, protective and advocacy services, health care, specialized equipment, meals on wheels, child and adult day care, parent groups, special education. Age Link can evaluate your needs and then link you with the right service agency. Anyone who wants information on the availability of services for Lee County residents sixty or older can call Age Link for help or information. Help Link provides information on services for those under sixty.
Age Link - 433-3900
Help Link - 433-5000

CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
provides a wide range of services to persons with disabilities who seek assistance of any kind in their efforts to remain independent. The Center offers life skills training, peer counseling, personal and community advocacy, assistive technology and a loan locker for short term use of mobility and other adaptive equipment. There is no fee for any of the Center's services for consumers with disabilities. For more information, call or write:
Center for Independent Living of SW FL
3626 Evans Avenue
Fort Myers, FL 33901
277-1447 (voice)
277-3964 (TTY/TDD)

DEAF SERVICE CENTER OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, INC.
provides information and referral services for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. Information regarding all types of hearing loss is available for the public. They provide training for Telecommunication Devices (TTYs) and classes in American Sign Language. Interpreter services are available. It is a regional distribution center for the Florida Telecommunications Relay providing free of charge Walker Clarity telephones, TTY's, and signaling devices to qualified individuals. For more information, call or write:
Deaf Service Center of SW FL, Inc.
1860 Boy Scout Dr., Suite B-208
Ft. Myers, FL 33907
Voice 239-461-0334
TTY 239-461-0438
Website: www.dsc.us

FLORIDA ALLIANCE FOR ASSISTIVE SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY (FAAST)
has an Information and Referral line (1-800-322-7881) that serves people of all ages and disabilities. They provide assistance in locating information about assistive devices, services and associated resources. They have Abledata, a product database of over 20,000 products. FAAST information services are provided free of charge. The local FAAST satellite site is located at:
Talking Books Library
13240 N. Cleveland Ave. #5-6
North Fort Myers, FL 33903
995-2665 or (FL) 1-800-854-8195

THE FLORIDA RELAY SERVICE
provides a communication link between people who use standard telephone equipment and those individuals who use a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TTY/TDD). To use this service, call: 1-800-955-8771 (TTY/TDD)
1-800-955-8770 (voice)

VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSONS CENTER
serves people who are blind or severely visually impaired. Instruction is available covering everything from telephone dialing and money identification to Braille and computer use. There is also a low vision clinic to help people find methods and devices to assist them in making good use of their remaining vision. For more information call or write:
Visually Impaired Persons Center
35 W. Mariana Ave.
North Fort Myers, FL 33903
997-7797

PRODUCTS FOR ENHANCED DAILY LIVING
Many people ask the library system where they can purchase items to help with daily living needs. The following companies sell a range of products that may be helpful: watches with large numbers, talking products, writing aids, magnifiers, personal listening devices, TTY's, wheelchair accessories, reachers, etc. Write or call for free catalogs. This information should be helpful in discussing your needs with physicians, therapists, and local vendors. You may also check the yellow pages in the telephone book for local companies selling assistive devices.

ABLEWARE
Maddak, Inc.
6 Industrial Rd.
Pequannock, NJ 07440-1993
1-201-628-7600
(aids for daily living)

CAROLYN'S
PO Box 14577
Bradenton, FL 34280-4577
1-800-648-2266
(aids for daily living)

ADAPTABILITY
PO Box 515
Colchester, CT 06415-0515
1-800-288-9941
(aids for daily living)

SAMMONS PRESTON ROLYAN AN ABILITY ONE COMPANY
4 Sammons Court
BolingBrook, IL 60440-5050
1-800-323-5547
(aids for daily living)

GENERAL TECHNOLOGIES
7417 Winding Way
Fair Oaks, CA 95628-6701
1-800-328-6684
(aids for persons with a hearing loss)

INDEPENDENT LIVING AIDS
27 East Mall
Plainview, NY 11803
1-800-537-2118
(aids for daily living)

HARC MERCANTILE, LTD.
PO Box 3055
Kalamazoo, MI 49003-3055
1-800-445-9968
(aids for persons with a hearing loss)

LIGHTHOUSE ENTERPRISES
FDR Station
New York, NY 10150-5281
1-800-829-0500
(aids for persons with a visual disability)

HARRIS COMMUNICATIONS
15159 Technology Dr.
Eden Prairie, MN 55344-3248
1-800-825-6758
(aids for persons with a visual or hearing disability)

LS&S GROUP
PO Box 673
Northbrook, IL 60065-0673
1-800-468-4789
(aids for persons with a hearing loss)

HEAR MORE PRODUCTS
PO Box 3413
Farmingdale, NY 11735
1-800-881-4327
(aids for persons with a hearing loss)

MAXI AIDS
42 Executive Blvd.
Farmingdale, NY 11735
1-800-522-6294
(aids for daily living)

Vendor information updated 5/19/2000.

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visits since 9/14/01.