Accessibility Services

What is the Detroit Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped Services?

The Detroit Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH) is a service comprised of the National Library Services for the Blind and Print Disable Library, Library of Congress, the State of Michigan Braille and Talking Book Library and the Detroit Public Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH) which work in cooperation to bring recorded audio books, audio magazines, braille books and other materials to anyone living in Detroit, Highland Park and Hamtramck areas. This service is provided free of charge. All equipment and materials are mailed, “Free Matter for The Blind,” without the need for postage.

In order to receive LBPH Services you must complete an application at this link or visit https://detroitpubliclibrary.org/services/lbph.

Who is eligible for the service?

• Legally Blind: Visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with correcting glasses, or the widest diameter of visual field subtending an angular distance no greater than 20 degrees.
• Visual Handicap: Inability to read standard printed material without special aids or devices other than glasses.
• Physically Handicap: Inability to use standard printed material as a result of physical limitations.
• Reading Disability: Inability to read print material in a normal manner because of an organic dysfunction.
• Deaf and Blind: Blindness combined with an inability to hear of understand speech.

What kind of materials can you borrow?

• Adult large print books
• Audio books
• Audio newspapers
• Audio magazines
• Braille books
• Catalogs and bibliographies of recorded materials
• Descriptive DVDs
• Digital machines players and accessories
• Downloadable audio books for LBPH players
• Large print materials and braille sheet music (through the National Library Service)
• Recorded music instruction (through the National Library Service)
• Reference sources on the American Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Spanish language audio books

On at least one of our handicap accessible computers at the Detroit Public Library branch locations.

• ADA Compliant Workstation: Accessible to the Visually and Physically Disabled
• Assistive Technology computer with Internet access Firefox & Chrome browsers
• Braille Embosser (LBPH Only)
• CCTV (closed circuit television, electronic magnification system) (LBPH Only)
• Fusion JAWS and Zoomtext - Learn More
• Hand-held Magnifiers 4X magnifying glass (LBPH Only)
• Large print keyboard
• Microsoft Office 2016
• Trackball mouse
• USB functionality

• Adult large print books
• Call in reference services available at 313-481-1400
• Downloadable audio books, eBooks, magazines, music and movies through the DPL website under Electronic Resources, https://detroitpubliclibrary.org/books from home with a Detroit Public Library card
• Entertainment DVDs with audio description (LBPH Only)
• Homebound service, call LBPH Services at 313-481-1702
• Online Catalog from home with a Detroit Public Library card