Assistive Technology Lending Program
Overview
The Braille and Talking Book Library (BTBL) offers assistive technology devices free of charge to eligible patrons. This unique lending program expands reading opportunities for Californians by providing the means to access additional sources of reading material. These devices allow readers to take advantage of the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) program to download books and start reading immediately rather than waiting for books in the mail. In the case of the magnifier, it expands reading opportunities for those with low vision by enlarging print on all sorts of materials such as menus, maps, instructions, photos, library catalogs and catalog order forms.
How to Borrow
Contact the BTBL at btbl@library.ca.gov or (800) 952-5666 to request a device.
A borrower must be a registered patron of the BTBL before participating in the assistive technology lending program. BTBL supplies the equipment through an extended loan to patrons. The equipment must be returned to the BTBL for repairs, if a patron becomes ineligible, or due to device inactivity. The devices are not transferable to other libraries and must be returned if a patron moves out of BTBL’s regional boundaries.
If you are not currently a registered patron, you can submit an application. Please ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and service area requirements outlined in the Application for BTBL Service section.
The BTBL loans the following devices:
HumanWare Explore 5 Electronic Video Magnifier
The HumanWare Explore 5 is a compact and lightweight device. It has a 5-inch LCD screen, a camera, an image storage gallery, large tactile keys, and a retractable handle. The back of the unit contains two LED lights. The Explore 5 has a magnification range between 2X to 22X. This handheld magnifier can connect to another external display screen, like a TV or computer monitor, to enlarge text or images. Loan period: one-year; renewable
User Resources
- Explore 5 Quick Start Guide Braille Format (BRF)
- Explore 5 Video Magnifier Quick Start Guide Standard Format (Word)
- Explore 5 Video Magnifier Quick Start Guide Large Print Format (Word)
- Explore 5 Video Magnifier Tutorial Braille Version (BRF)
- Explore 5 Video Magnifier Tutorial Standard Format (Word)
- Explore 5 Video Magnifier Audio Tutorial Part 1 (MP3)
- Explore 5 Video Magnifier Audio Tutorial Part 2 (MP3)
- Explore 5 Magnifier Audio Tutorial Digital Talking Book CDB00601
- Explore 5 Magnifier Video Tutorial Part 1
- Explore 5 Magnifier Video Tutorial Part 2
Other User Resources
- Explore 5 Video Magnifier: Frequently Asked Questions Standard Format (Word)
- Explore 5 Video Magnifier: Troubleshooting Guide Standard Format (Word)
The Orbic Speed Mobile Hotspot
A Wi-Fi hotspot is an Internet access tool. The device has a default 2.4 Ghz Wi-Fi setting and will support up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices, with unlimited data. Patrons requesting a Wi-Fi hotspot must consent to the CSL Wi-Fi Agreement. Loan period: one-year; renewable
User Resources
- Orbic Speed Mobile Hotspot Quick Start Guide Braille Format (BRF)
- Orbic Speed Mobile Hotspot Quick Start Guide Standard Format (Word)
- Orbic Speed Mobile Hotspot Quick Start Guide Large Print Format (Word)
HumanWare’s Victor Reader Stream 2
The Victor Reader Stream (VRS) is a handheld audio player. Users can listen to books, magazines, newspapers, Internet radio, music, and podcasts, using online or offline options. The Victor Reader Stream can directly connect to the following libraries: NFB Newsline, Bookshare, and NLS BARD. Patrons must have a valid email address and an active BARD account prior to borrowing this device. Loan period: one-year; renewable
User Resources
- VRS Quick Start Guide Braille Format (BRF)
- VRS Quick Start Guide Standard Format (Word)
- VRS Quick Start Guide Large Print Format (Word)
- VRS Tutorial Braille Format (BRF)
- VRS Tutorial Standard Format (Word)
- VRS Audio Tutorial Part 1 (MP3)
- VRS Audio Tutorial Part 2 (MP3)
- VRS Audio Tutorial Part 3 (MP3)
- VRS Audio Tutorial Digital Talking Book CDB00602
- VRS Video Tutorial Part 1
- VRS Video Tutorial Part 2
- VRS Video Tutorial Part 3
Other User Resources
- Register the VRS with NLS BARD Braille Format (BRF)
- Register the VRS with NLS BARD Quick Start Guide Standard Format (Word)
- Register the VRS with NLS BARD Quick Start Guide Large Print Format (Word)
- Connecting the VRS to a Wi-Fi Network Braille Format (BRF)
- Connecting the VRS to a Wi-Fi Network Quick Start Guide Standard Format (Word)
- Connecting the VRS to a Wi-Fi Network Quick Start Guide Large Print Format (Word)
- VRS: Frequently Asked Questions Standard Format (Word)
- VRS: Troubleshooting Guide Standard Format (Word)
The NLS Braille eReader by HumanWare
The eReader has a 20-cell braille display and an eight-key, Perkins-style keyboard. When connected to Apple’s iPad, iPhone, Mac, or a Windows computer using screen reader software, the eReader acts as a braille display. The NLS Braille eReader is compatible with screen readers such as JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver. This portable device has wireless and Bluetooth capabilities. Android and Chromebook platforms are currently incompatible with the NLS braille eReader. BTBL loans the eReader to patrons for the duration of their library membership.
NLS Braille eReader HumanWare How-To Video Series
- Physical Description
- What is in the Main Menu
- Power Management
- How to Transfer Books from External Media
- How to Connect to a Wireless Network
- How to Download Books from BARD
- Interacting with the Device
- How to Read a Book
- File Management
- How to Transfer Books from a Cartridge
- Settings
- How to Pair the eReader with an iOS Device
- How to Get Help
- How to Use the eReader as a Braille Display with JAWS
- How to Put on the Protective Case
Other User Resources
- HumanWare User Guide version 2.0 (Word)
- NLS Braille eReader HumanWare User Guide 2.0 available through BARD as DBC 27446
- HumanWare User Guide version 2.0 braille version (BRF) (Formatted for narrow braille paper. Document has a line length of 30.)
- HumanWare eReader FAQ (Word)
Renewals
Patrons may contact the BTBL at btbl@library.ca.gov or (800) 952-5666 to request a device’s renewal. The magnifiers, Wi-Fi hotspots and Victor Reader Streams may be renewed if a waiting list is not established and/or library recalls do not exist.
Training Opportunities
The Braille and Talking Book Library is providing online training opportunities for the Explore 5 Magnifier and Victor Reader Stream 2. Patrons may contact the BTBL at btbl@library.ca.gov or (800) 952-5666 to request training information.