The Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled

Welcome to the Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled @ AADL!

In Washtenaw County this free service administered by the Ann Arbor District Library, loans books, magazines, and videos in alternative formats (recorded cassette, digital cartridge, Braille and descriptive video) to individuals of all ages who are certified as unable to read or use standard printed materials as a result of temporary or permanent visual or physical limitations. A player and materials are mailed at no cost as Free Matter for the Blind.

In addition to mailed materials, all eligible individuals also have access to over 18,000 titles available for download through the National Library Service's Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) site. An application for access to BARD is required and available through the NLS website.

The WLBPD collection is housed in the Downtown AADL location at 343 South Fifth Avenue in Ann Arbor at the corner of Fifth Avenue and William Street. For information on all AADL locations and transportation options, visit the AADL Locations & Hours page.

All Washtenaw County residents who are eligible for the WLBPD service are also eligible for Ann Arbor District Library borrowing privileges.

WLBPD is part of the National Library Service (NLS) network. Click here to locate other NLS libraries in Michigan or in other states.


WLBPD Newsletter

Summer 2010 PDF Version Audio Version Text-Only Version
Spring/Summer 2010 PDF Version Audio Version Text-Only Version
Winter 2009/2010 PDF Version Audio Version Text-Only Version
Summer 2009 PDF Version Audio Version Text-Only Version

Other Upcoming Events

Using Assistive Technology for BARD & Beyond
Thursday, August 12, 7-8:30pm
Downtown, Multi-Purpose Room

Learn the basics of using assistive technology (text-to-speech software), to download talking books from BARD and for use with other applications.

Adapting to a Vision Impairment
Wednesday, August 25, 7-8:30pm
Malletts Creek Branch

Dr. Donna M. Wicker, O.D, FAAO from the UM Kellogg Eye Center Low Vision & Visual Rehabilitation Service, will discuss the different magnifiers and occupational therapies available to people with low-vision who wish to enhance their independence.


WLBPD Blog

Living Well with Low Vision, and the Science of Glaucoma

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Did you or a loved one miss the April 15th library event, Living Well with Low Vision, and the Science of Glaucoma? The event addressed current treatments for people with low vision and was made possible by the National Institute of Health and co-sponsored by the Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research and the UM Health Sciences Libraries.

The event was filmed and recorded and is available online, see the video or listen to the audio. You may also request the audio recording from WLBPD. Just call 734-327-4224, email wlbpd@aadl.org, or drop by any library location.

Need a Ride?

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Now there's RideConnect, a new transportation coordination center serving Washtenaw County residents. Sponsored by Western Washtenaw Area Value Express or WAVE, the Washtenaw Area Transportation Study or WATS; People's Express, Washtenaw County, and Ann Arbor Transportation Authority, RideConnect also coordinates services among existing public, private, and non-profit transportation as well as county human service agencies.

Described Video on the Big Screen

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Did you know that you can watch a newly released feature film that is described for people with visual impairments? Rave Motion Pictures (Formerly Showcase Cinema) in Ypsilanti shows a film with described video every week. Go to Rave Motion Pictures and enter Zip Code 48197. This week the film being shown is Marmaduke. Beginning Friday June 4th through Thursday June 10th. Show times are: 1:00, 3:15, 5:30, 7:45 and 10:00 PM. DVS films are always shown in Theater 14. Running time: 1 hour 27 minutes. Rated PG. showcase cinemasshowcase cinemas

Large Print by Mail: a new service now available!

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For AADL card holders who are also active patrons of the Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled (WLBPD), we are now able to mail Large Print books to your home! After signing up for this service, you will be able to request Large Print books online, by phone, or at any AADL service desk. The books will be mailed in reusable bags using USPS Free Matter for the Blind services and may be returned the same way. For more information about this new service, call 734-327-4224 or contact us at www.aadl.org/contactus (choose WLBPD as the comment type). We look forward to hearing from you!

Unspoken Rules of Work

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The Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living continues their career development workshop series with Unspoken Rules of Work. Land the job & survive the first 90 days! A lot goes on in the workplace. Workplace culture and dynamics are tricky to navigate, and the “unspoken rules of work” can make or break you. In this workshop, learn what it takes to get ahead and stay ahead, so that you can be your most successful self! This is a 2-Part workshop on Monday, Februrary 8 & Wednesday, Februrary 10 at 10 am to 12 pm each day. To register, email Julia Plaggemeyer at jplaggemeyer@aacil.org or call 734-971-0277, ext. 21.

Assistive Technology at AADL

The Downtown Library has a new dedicated area of assistive technology devices that are available for anyone with a visual or learning disability, including a Kurzweil 1000 scanning station and JAWS text-to-speech software, a Braille embosser, a closed circuit reader and magnifiers at all public desks. Public computers at Malletts Creek, Traverwood, West and Downtown Youth have JAWS, and a function that enlarges type is on all public computers. Assistive technology trainer, Nick Wilcox, is ready to help walk-in patrons on the second floor at the Downtown Library from 2-6pm on Tuesdays or by requesting an appointment at WLBPD: 734-327-4224.

Holistic Health Fair

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Community Collaborative Outreach Gift Board, a nonprofit organization whose primary function is to improve the lives of the citizens of the Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor area, is hosting a holistic health fair on Saturday, August 29, from 10:00am until 2:00pm. The fair will be held in the Fellowship Hall of Community Church of God located at 565 Jefferson Avenue in Ypsilanti and will address issues relating to health, education, children, veterans, seniors, and finance. This will be a great family event with light refreshments, prizes, and trinkets. There will truly be something for everyone!

Free Pottery Class for People with Disabilities

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The University of Michigan School of Art and Design and the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living are jointly offering a class on working with clay for people with disabilities September 21 through December 7. Classes take place Mondays from 2 to 4 pm at the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living. The classes are free, and no tools or prior experience is necessary. Space is limited to 20 people who must make a firm commitment. To join, contact Carolyn Grawi at cgrawi@aacil.org or 734-971-0277 x. 16.

Help For Young Parents & Pregnant Teens

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Life can be tough out there if you are a parent under the age of 21 or a pregnant teenager. Add to that being homeless or aging out of (or still in) foster care and things can seem hopeless. Fortunately a new grant to serve this group of young people is available in our community. Services are available to resolve immediate needs as well as future planning.To refer a teen parent who is at risk, contact Catherine Kabira, Wraparound Facilitator at 734-929-6509 or ckabira@emich.edu.