LBPH


Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped 

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Kent District Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped is one of eleven sub-regional LBPH libraries in Michigan. We serve all of Kent, Montcalm, and Ionia counties. Established by Congress in 1931 to provide free reading materials for visually impaired American citizens throughout the world, LBPH service was later extended to people with other physical disabilities, including learning disabilities in children. This service is free to all eligible people who are unable to read normal print due to a visual or physical disability, whether temporary or permanent. About 1.5% of the population qualifies for LBPH, and that number will grow as our population ages.

Our LBPH Branch Location is our Wyoming Branch,
located at 3350 Michael SW, Wyoming, Michigan 49509

 

Who is eligible?

Children or adults who meet any of the following criteria:
  • Legally Blind - Visual acuity of 20/200 or less in better eye with correcting glasses or the widest diameter of visual field subtending an angular distance no greater than 20 degrees.
  • Deaf-Blind - Severe auditory impairment in combination with legal blindness.
  • Visual Handicap - Lacks visual acuity to read standard printed materials without special aids or devices other than regular glasses.
  • Reading Disability - Organic dysfunction of sufficient severity to prevent reading printed materials in a normal manner. For this disability, a medical or osteopathic doctor must hand sign the application.
  • Physical Handicap - Unable to read or use standard printed materials as a result of physical limitations. Examples include: without arms or the use of arms; impaired or weakened muscle and nerve control; limitations resulting from strokes, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, polio, arthritis. This may be either a permanent or a temporary condition. For example: A person recovering from an accident or surgery might qualify.

 

Materials and equipment available:

  • Cassette Book Machine
  • A wide variety of books on cassette or in Braille
  • Magazines on cassette or in Braille
  • Picture/Braille books to be shared with sighted individuals
  • Described videos.
  • Special adaptive equipment including:
    • Breath switch
    • Extension levers
    • Remote control units
    • Amplifier/headphones

Materials and equipment are sent free through the U.S. Mail and have return cards attached. Return postage is also free. Books on tape, magazines and videos are to be returned when you have finished with them. Reading machines are the property of the Federal Government and must be returned to us when you are no longer using them.

A limited number of Described Videos are bought with local funds and there is usually a waiting list for newer titles. As a courtesy to our patrons, videos should be returned within one week.

When you apply for the service you select the types of books you like to read and how frequently you want to have them sent. A catalog of new books is mailed to you every two months. Books are chosen for you using your profile and the request list you have established. You can update your profile or request specific books and magazines at any time.

 

How do I apply for service?

Applications are available online, at any local library, or by calling us at (616) 647-3985. If necessary, please leave a message and we will return your call. You may e-mail a request for an application by mail by sending your name and address to: lbphstaff@kdl.org

This application must be printed out and signed by a certifying authority. It cannot be e-mailed. After it is signed, please mail it to us at:

Kent District Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Wyoming Branch
3350 Michael SW
Wyoming, Michigan 49509

Mailbox Library Service is available to Kent District Library patrons who are temporarily or permanently homebound. Applications are available online or at our Cascade branch. We look forward to serving you!