Visionaries: Episode 20, Raise Your Voices by Susan Gray

We are living in uncertain times, regarding the reliance on programs like the National Library Service’s Talking book and Braille library system.  Most peers with vision loss use this program to receive books and reading materials in accessible formats, be it Braille, cartridge deliveries or digital downloads. This service is free to anyone in the United States with a disability that has difficulty reading printed material.  The libraries select reading material based on the patron’s preferences and mail them out at no cost on a regular basis.   

While it might be inconceivable to think a program like this would be on the chopping block, it is already in the cross-hairs of the current administration. 

Recent census materials show that 2.5% of Americans are legally blind.  This translates to 8.3 million Americans that are blind or vision impaired, and in need of accessible reading materials.

While groups like the National Federation of the Blind have already contacted members of Congress to protest plans to cut services to the National Libraries,   it is up to all of us using these services to make our voices heard. 

We talk a lot about advocacy, but many of our peers are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with taking action by advocating to protect hard won accommodations.

Don’t fall into a victim mentality.  We are not powerless, and should not sit back and allow key accessible services to be lost.    This is well worth fighting for. We will be less of a target for cuts like this to our inclusive services when we make ourselves heard.     

  Here is how you can help:

1.        Call or write your federal Senators and House representatives and implore them not to cut   the federal funding for the National Library Service’s talking book and Braille libraries.

2.        Donate any amount that you can afford to your Talking book and Braille library.  If we want these services, we should be willing to contribute to their mission.

3.       Raise awareness of the need for support of our library system, by discussing it in groups, online, and in the media.

4.        Consider doing a fund raiser for the TBBL in your community.

5.         Show up at legislative town hall meetings to voice your concerns about the potential loss of these services.

Awareness of the threats to the services that we rely on is of utmost importance in this current environment.  Tune in to what is happening with groups like the National Federation of the Blind, who is raising awareness for their blind peers across the United States.  We can take very little for granted, and must stay vigilant to protect the access and accommodations others have fought for.

Whether they are reading for education or recreation, this service is being   utilized by thousands of peers with vision loss.

 Please add your voice to preserve this and other library services that are at risk of program cuts by the government.