Application for Service: Children and Teens

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The New Jersey Library for the Blind and Handicapped, in cooperation with the Library of Congress, provides recorded, Brailled and large print books and magazines to residents of the state who are unable to use standard print as the result of severe visual impairment, physical disabilities which make it impossible to hold a book or turn pages or medically-certified reading disabilities. There is no charge for any aspect of this service.

To receive service, the attached application form must be completed including a brief statement describing the nature and extent of the disability and the manner in which it prevents reading standard print. A certifying authority such as a professional librarian, teacher, NJCBVI education counselor, social worker, doctor, registered nurse or professional staff member of a hospital must sign this statement. For a child or teen with a specific reading disability such as dyslexia or neurological impairment, the Certificate of Eligibility must be signed by a doctor of medicine or osteopathy who certifies that the inability to read has a physical basis. This signature must be an original signature, not a photocopied or faxed copy of the original signature.
If the child or teen is to receive recorded book service, keep in mind that he or she may be able to comprehend at a higher reading level than his or her reading skills indicate. Include this comprehension level on the form to insure that books will be sent at the appropriate level.

For recorded tape service, a specially designed cassette tape machine is loaned to readers to use as long as they are members of the NJLBH. The only requirement for keeping the machine is that they regularly use the library's extensive and comprehensive book collection that includes most, if not all, of the books on school reading lists as well as a wonderful selection of books for recreational reading.

Send the completed application to the New Jersey Library for the Blind and Handicapped. When the child or teen is approved for service, the Library will send the equipment requested and a shipment of books.

As part of its lifetime reading program, and to encourage reading all year long, the NJLBH sponsors a six-week Summer Reading Club from July through August. A theme is selected with appropriate incentive gifts and activity sheets distributed throughout the summer; members set their own reading goals, and prizes are awarded to those members who reach their goal.