Accessibility

Here's what's available at your Library.

Audio Books

• We have a wide collection of audio books on CD. Just search the Catalog under format type CD to find thousands of results - you can target your results by keyword, title, author or age (juvenile, young adult or adult).
• These items can be placed on hold for pickup at any branch.
• We have Downloadables which will allow you to download audio and visual materials to your portable device or PC from home.

Books

• A broad collection of large type books is available.
• We also have Braille books for adults and younger readers at the Central Library.
• These items can be placed on hold for pickup at any location.

Close Captioned DVDs

• Nearly half of our DVD collection has the close captioned feature. Some Blu-ray discs also have this feature.
• We also have DVDs and Blu-ray discs with Descriptive Video Service (DVS) where the plot is narrated.
• These items can be placed on hold for pickup at any location.

Materials by Mail

Materials are available through the mail for homebound individuals.

Call 210-207-2500 for this service or to ask a reference question.

CCTV

Closed circuit televisions are available at our Bazan, Brook Hollow, Central, Collins Garden, Great Northwest, Guerra, Johnston, Las Palmas, Memorial, Pan American, Semmes locations. These devices allow materials to be greatly magnified onto a monitor.  Books, letters and pictures are much clearer to view using these devices.

Handheld Magnifying Glasses

Magnifiers are available on request. Please speak to a staff person to use one in the library.

Windows Narrator and Magnifier

All library computers have Windows Narrator and Magnifier installed. Please ask a library staff person to show you how to use the accessibility features of the computers.

Databases With Accessibility Features

Many of our databases have built in accessibility features. Ask a librarian to assist you in finding them.

Bookshare is an online library of accessible e-books and educational materials for people with print disabilities. Access more than 325,000 textbooks, best sellers, children's books newspapers, magazines, and more!  www.bookshare.org.

The Texas Talking Book Program is a free service for anyone residing in the state. There are thousands of titles in several formats to offer accessibility to various resources. Audio recordings, large print, Braille, and more. Visit www.tsl.texas.gov/tbp/index.html to see qualifications for subscription or call 1-800-252-9605.

Vibrant Works (formerly the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind & Vision Impaired)

Vibrant Works is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in the State of Texas. Serving people who are blind or vision impaired since 1933. They provide rehabilitation services as well as employment for the blind and vision impaired. Phone: 210-533-5195

UT Health San Antonio - Lions Low Vision Rehabilitation Center of Texas

Their goal is to maximize the visual potential of each patient. Thanks to the partnership with the Lions Sight Research Foundation, the Lions Low Vision Center provides rehabilitative services to help patients with visual impairments, maximize the functionality of their remaining vision. The Lions Low Vision Rehabilitation Center of Texas is an interdisciplinary center for low vision evaluation, resources and rehabilitation. The Lions Low Visions Center is a community partnership with UT Health San Antonio and the Lions Clubs International. Individuals whose vision cannot be corrected by traditional means, such as eyeglasses or surgery, may benefit from services and devices to make the most of their vision. Phone: 210-326-3915