Additional Resources and Related Services

Disability Services

Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired

The Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NCBVI) is a no-cost vocational rehabilitation agency for blind and low-vision Nebraskans. NCBVI teaches independent living skills and provides assistance with finding employment. Through this service, individuals can learn cane navigation, computer skills, braille, and many other valuable skills.

Call (877) 809-2419 or (402) 471-2891.

Hotline for Disability Services

Hotline for Disability Services is a resource for Nebraskans with disabilities, and is a part of the Nebraska Client Assistance Program. The Hotline provides information and referral to Nebraskans who have questions or concerns related to a disability. This includes information about rehabilitation services, transportation, special parking permits, legal rights, and any other questions related to a disability.

Call (800) 742-7594 or (402) 471-0801, or email at cap.info@nebraska.gov. You can also search their online directory for disability services.

Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnership

Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnership provides information about assistive technology devices and services. In addition to technology information, services include possible funding sources, contact with a peer volunteer, and training.

Call (877) 713-4002 or (402) 471-0734, or email at atp@nebraska.gov.

Nebraska ChildFind

Nebraska ChildFind assists children with disabilities and their families. Their focus is on education-related questions concerning rights for children with disabilities, resources and referrals for disability services, and responsibilities to children with disabilities.

Call (888) 806-6287 for more information.

Education and Entertainment

Instructional Music

National Library Service (NLS) of the Library of Congress houses a collection of instructional music materials, available for loan on cartridge, in braille, and in large print. This service is available to all Nebraska Talking Book patrons. More information can be found on their website.

To request music materials, please contact the NLS Music Section directly at (800) 424-8567 ext. 2, or by email at nlsm@loc.gov.

Radio Talking Book

Radio Talking Book Network (RTBN) is a free Nebraska radio reading service that connects individuals who are blind, low vision, or print impaired to news, information, arts, and culture through the human voice and technology.

RTBN provides audience members with equal access to local, current information necessary to lead productive, self-directed lives and remain engaged in their communities. RTBN uses over 80 volunteer readers, whose diverse voices bring the printed word to life with the reading of 21 regional newspapers, grocery and department store ads weekly, information from over 70 magazines, live interviews on our Community Conversations, a Veterans Hour, and much more.

RTBN also provides Audio Description for live community events, including theater, parades, art exhibits, and more. Additionally, the Listening Link program provides over 2,000 hours of recorded textbooks and other educational materials that are not already available commercially or through such sources as the Library of Congress or Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic.

Call (402) 572-3003, or email info@rtbs.org for more information.

NFB-NEWSLINE

NFB-NEWSLINE® is a free audio news service for anyone who is blind, low-vision, deafblind, or otherwise print-disabled that offers access to more than 500 national, international, and local publications, emergency weather alerts, job listings, and more. NFB-NEWSLINE® can be accessed via phone, email, and on the web, as well as via iOS app and Amazon Alexa-enabled devices.

Currently available Nebraska newspapers include Beatrice Daily Sun, Grand Island Independent, Lincoln Journal Star, and Omaha World Herald.

Patrons of Talking Book and Braille Service can contact their Reader Advisor to subscribe. Registration can also be completed online or via paper application.

For more information, please call (866) 504-7300 or (410) 659-9314, ext. 2317, or email nfbnewsline@nfb.org.

Bookshare

Bookshare is an eBook and audiobook library that makes reading easier. Bookshare is for people who find it difficult to process or comprehend printed words, see text in books or on a screen, or physically manage books or reading devices. Members can access a huge collection of eBooks and read their way with the most customizable eBooks for people with reading barriers.

Thanks to funding from the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), Bookshare is free for all qualified US students and schools. Bookshare has a reciprocal membership agreement with National Library Service; TBBS patrons may use their TBBS enrollment to verify eligibility for Bookshare.

Learning Ally

Learning Ally is a major source of textbooks and professional materials in audio and eBook formats. There is a one-time registration fee, as well as annual fees associated with this service.

Call (800) 221-4792 for more information, or email CustomerCare@learningally.org.

Seedlings Braille Books for Children

Seedlings Braille Books for Children is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to increasing the opportunity for literacy by providing high quality, low cost braille books for children.

Call (734) 427-8552 or (800) 777-8552, or email at info@seedlings.org.