Good morning everyone!
The State Library of Kansas, Talking Books Service has awesome news! The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) has implemented a long-awaited change to make it easier for people with reading disabilities to enroll for our services. Now reading specialists, educators, librarians, and school psychologists will be able to certify the eligibility of applicants with reading disabilities. Our updated application is online at https://bit.ly/3835y6Q
While NLS has long made its services available to people with reading disabilities, a doctor of medicine or osteopathy was required to certify that an applicant’s reading disability was “the result of organic dysfunction.” This requirement was a high bar for potential patrons to hurdle. With recent changes to the legislation, the final regulatory step was accomplished this winter.
It is with excitement that Kansas Talking Books shares the news that the barriers once preventing individuals with reading disabilities is a thing of the past. We look forward to providing free library services to all Kansans with a print disability, visual, physical, or reading, to ensure “That All May Read.”
If you have any questions regarding our services or the changes to certification requirements please contact Michael Lang, Talking Books Director at Michael.lang@ks.gov or 620-341-6287.
Sincerely,
Maggie Witte
Outreach Librarian/Lead Readers’ Advisory
State Library of Kansas, Talking Books
1 Kellogg Circle, Box 4055
Emporia, KS 66801
1-800-362-0699 or 620-341-6281