Libraries with Assistive Technology

Below is a listing of Libraries with Assistive Technology througout South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. If you would like to add a site to this listing, complete the AT Resource Center Survey.

Libraries with Assistive Technology

Aiken-Bamberg-Barnwell-Edgefield Regional Library System

Eligibility: We have no written eligibility requirements. We make it available to patrons who are interested in using it.

Geographical area served: Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell, Edgefield counties

AT available: Aladdin Magnifier, Open Book device.

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Anderson County Library

Contact: Carl Stone, Director, Anderson County Library, 300 N. McDuffie Street
Anderson, SC 29621, 864-2694500, cstone@andersonlibrary.org

Eligibility: Anyone demonstrating a need can use our AT.

Geographical area serve: Anderson County, but assistive technology exists at Main Library in City of Anderson only.

AT available: Assistance for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Reader and Computer equipped to serve those with vision problems.

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Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County - "Virtual Village"

Primary Contact: Greg Platko, Automation Support Coordinator, Virtual Village Communication Center, Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklneburg County , 310 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, 704-336-6214, gplatko@plcmc.org

Eligibility: Mecklenburg County Library Card or a Temporary Visitor Library Card

Geographical Area Served: Mecklenburg County, NC

Ages/Disabilities Served: 13 yrs and up, all disabilities (provided individual has general knowledge of computers) Call for appointment - 704-336-6214

AT offered for demonstration and use in the library:

  • Eyegaze, Tracker, Jouse, Cyberlink
  • Voice Recognition Software
  • Low Vision Hardware and Software
  • Scan and Read Hardware and Software
  • Braille Hardware and Software
  • Alternative Keyboards
  • Alternative Input Devices inluding Switches
Who can come to see/try/use the AT:
  • Individuals who are 13 yrs and up
  • Family members
  • Caregivers
  • Disability/Rehab Professionals
  • Teachers/Instructors
Library staff provides limited assistance to service providers or consumers in determining appropriate AT in the following areas:
  • Computer Access – Hardware
  • Computer Access – Software

Library staff can also provide demonstrations of computer equipment and limited consultation to other AT service providers.

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Darlington County Library System

Anyone can request the use of AT in the library. No appointments necessary.

Geographical area served: Darlington County.

AT available for use in the library:

  • Walker
  • Closed circuit tv reading device
  • Magnifying glass
  • Volume controlled earphones for computers

Staff can assist in researching AT options in the following areas:

  • Aids for Daily Living (for example, magnifying glasses, talking watches)
  • Assistive Devices for Hearing Impairments/Deafness
  • Assistive Devices for Visual Impairments/Blindness

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Kershaw County Library

We really do not have anything to demonstrate other than the ability to change settngs on public PC's so that it is easier for users with disabilities.

Library staff can assist in researching appropriate AT in the following areas:

  • Aids for Daily Living (for example, magnifying glasses, talking watches)
  • Augmentative Communication Devices
  • Assistive Devices for Hearing Impairments/Deafness
  • Assistive Devices for Visual Impairments/Blindness
  • Computer Access – Hardware
  • Computer Access – Software

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Lexington County Public Library

Who is eligible to use the library’s AT: Persons with disabilties, most usually those in wheelchairs. No appointment necessary.

Geographical area served: Lexington County and surrounding areas

AT offered for use: Elevated card catalog and internet stations for wheelchair accessiblity.

Library staff can assist in researching appropriate AT for patrons in the following areas:

  • Computer Access – Hardware
  • Computer Access – Software

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Marion County Library

Contact: Salley B. Davidson, Director, Marion County Library
101 East Court Street, Marion, SC 29571, 843-423-8300, sbdavidson@infoave.net

Who is eligible to use the AT in the library? Anyone who comes into the library. No appointment necessary

Geographical area served: Marion County -- served by headquarters library, two branches and a bookmobile We have "library services" to offer, but we don't have assistive products on hand for demonstration purposes.

AT offered for loan: Videos (many are closed captioned for the hearing impaired), books on tape , a large collection of Large Print books.AT offered for use: Computer screens can be switched to white writing on black background for the visually impaired and the print can be considerably enlarged. We have an assistive computer with Jaws software (Headquarters library only) -- will scan books or other materials and "read" the material to the patron. Staff will do anything they can help to help patrons.Library staff can assist in researching appropriate

AT for patrons, in the following areas:

  • Assistive Devices for Hearing Impairments/Deafness
  • Assistive Devices for Visual Impairments/Blindness
  • Computer Access – Hardware
  • Computer Access – Software

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Marlboro County Library

Contact: Sharon Rowe, Director, 200 John Corry Rd., Bennettsville, SC 29512,
843-479-5630, marlbcolibrary@yahoo.com

Who is eligible to use your library’s Assistive Technology? Persons unable to use standard library materials or equipment. No formal appointment necessary.

Geographical area served: Marlboro County

AT offered for use: We have the usual Windows enhancements to our public PCs.

Library staff can assist in researching appropriate AT for patrons in the following areas:

  • Aids for Daily Living (for example, magnifying glasses, talking watches)
  • Augmentative Communication Devices
  • Assistive Devices for Hearing Impairments/Deafness
  • Assistive Devices for Visual Impairments/Blindness
  • Computer Access – Hardware
  • Computer Access – Software

The bookmobile staff can also take inquiries. We have a large collection of large print and audio books for our visually impaired patrons.

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Oconee County Library System, Walhalla, SC

AT in the library is available for anyone who wishes to use it.

Geographical area served: Oconee County

AT offered for use:

  • Certain computers which may be logged on as "Big" so that the words are enlarged and easy to read.
  • Magnifying glass.
  • Computer mice that is supposed to be helpful for some hand/wrist problems.
  • A machine which enlarges print of books, papers, etc., when they are scanned.
Library staff can assist in researching appropriate AT for patrons in the following areas:
  • Aids for Daily Living (for example, magnifying glasses, talking watches)
  • Assistive Devices for Visual Impairments/Blindness
  • Computer Access – Hardware
  • Computer Access – Software

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Orangeburg County Library

Primary Contact: Capers Bull, Adult Services Librarian, Orangeburg County Library, PO Box 1367, Orangeburg, SC 29116, cbull@orangeburgcountyorg or, Library Director, Paula Paul, Orangeburg County Library, PO Box 1367, Orangeburg, SC 29116; ppaul@orangeburgcounty.org

Any patron showing a demonstrated need is eligible to use the library’s AT.

Geographical area served: Citizens of Orangeburg County as well as those in surrounding counties

AT offered for use: Handicapped accessible computer with internet access and Microsoft Office software, Public access library catalog are hanicapped accessible; Telesensory Model MC3A Monitor for magnification, for visually impaired.

Library staff can assist in researching appropriate AT for patrons in the following areas:

  • Assistive Devices for Visual Impairments/Blindness
  • Computer Access – Hardware

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Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic

Contact: Interim South Carolina State Director, Lenora Martin 4840 Forest Drive Suite 21-164 Columbia, SC 29206, lmartin@rfbd.org, 803-603-3217 or South Carolina Outreach Coordinator, Rebecca Griggs rgriggs@rfbd.org 803-238-3031 www.rfbd.org

Eligibility: Any person living with a print disability is eligible to use the RFB&D AudioPlus digital CD library.

Geographical area served: RFB&D serves South Carolina as well as the entire USA and international members. Typically one would purchase an RFB&D membership, order the playback device which is used to access the digital navigational text, and then attend an RFB&D assistive technology training. If one would like a demonstration, we are able to host these as well.

RFB&D offers demonstrations on using the playback devices with the AudioPlus CDs. We also offer assistive technology training on the use of our Learning Through Listening website. Members of RFB&D purchase their playback device(s) and we provide a handson training to our individual and institutional members. The staff helps assist people in determining appropriate assistive technology for patrons. For RFB&D member institutions they offer a four visit site visit per year to the institutions served. RFB&D's AudioPlus digital books are accessed when one uses the playback devices. They offer hands-on training on how to use the playback devices with the RFB&D AudioPlus digital CDs.

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Saluda County Library

Who is eligible to use your library’s Assistive Technology? Anyone needing large print Internet. No appointments necessary.

Geographical area served: Saluda County (rural)

AT offered for demonstration and use: Large print profile on Internet

Library staff assists in researching appropriate AT options for patrons in the following area:

  • Computer Access – Software

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South Carolina State Library

Contact: Catherin Buck Morgan, Director, Division of Innovation & Technology, 1500 Senate Street, Columbia, SC 29201. 803-734-8651 or cmorgan@statelibrary.sc.gov
Website: www.statelibrary.sc.gov

Eligibility: Any person who needs assistive technology, particularly those with vision disabilities. No appointment needed. Hours are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Geographic area served: Richland County

Assistive Technology offered for use: PCs with JAWS, Ruby OpenBook, ZoomText, WYNN (What You Need Next), and Gus Word Prediction Software. PCs are equipped with scanner, printer, magnifying glass, tape recorder, headphones, ergonomic chair with arms rests, ergonimic trackball mouse, keyboards with large print letters and braille, keyguard for persons with limited dexterity, adjustable workstation, Troll touch screen and talking clock. Also available are four closed circuit televisions.

Who can use/try/borrow Assistive Technology? Anyone who is interested in serving the blind and physically handicapped population.

What Assistive Technology is offered for loan? None

Does staff assist in determining appropriate Assistive Technology for patrons? Yes, in assistive devices for visual impairments and computer access hardware and software.

Additional information: The South Carolina State Library's Talking Book Services department provides informational and recreational reading materials in accessible formats. The program serves South Carolinians unable to use conventional print due to a physical disability.
Contact: Pamela Davenport, Director, Talking Book Services, 1430 Senate Street, Columbia, SC 29201, 803-734-8650 or pdavenport@statelibrary.sc.gov

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