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New Vision Assistive Technology Program Launched in Trenton
October 25, 2019
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Trenton residents with low vision now have easy access to assistive technology
software and devices, thanks to the New Jersey Human Services and the New
Jersey State Library ‘s Library Equal Access Program (LEAP) at the New Jersey
State Library Talking Book and Braille Center in Trenton.
New Jersey Human Services and New Jersey State Library representatives gathered
today for a ribbon cutting ceremony to launch the program. The Talking Book &
Braille Center is located at 2300 Stuyvesant Avenue.
The program, which is a collaboration between the Department’s Commission for
the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI), the New Jersey State Library’s Talking
Book & Braille Center (TBBC) and Advancing Opportunities, provides free
computer and iPad training classes to adults 55 years of age and older
experiencing vision loss. The classes will demonstrate how to use accessibility
features on computers and iPads, such as magnification and audio reading tools,
so users can read websites, emails, and other documents with ease.
“The Department of Human Services is delighted to expand this great program to
make these critical tools available to the residents of Trenton,” said Human
Services Commissioner Carole Johnson. “With this program, adults who have had a
change in vision can better access their favorite book, respond to emails or
read the news. We are committed to helping New Jerseyans with low-vision and
other vision issues continue a lifestyle of visual independence as much as
possible.”
Dr. Bernice Davis, Executive Director of the Commission for the Blind and
Visually Impaired, also celebrated the opening of the program. “The Commission
is committed to dedicating our resources towards preventing blindness and
providing people-centered services that facilitate equality in education,
employment and quality of life for New Jersey residents who are blind, visually
impaired or deafblind,” said Dr. Davis.
“CBVI’s LEAP initiative is groundbreaking. For the first time, New Jerseyans
with visual disabilities can travel to a number of public libraries across the
State and have state-of-the-art accessible software available to them on
computer workstations and iPads,” said Adam Szczepaniak, Director of the New
Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center.
The Library Equal Access program is available at 10 public libraries across the
State. Registration is currently open for the fall season for weekly beginner
or intermediate level classes.
The ceremony is part of a series of events marking October as Blindness
Awareness Month, which was recognized by a proclamation signed by Governor
Murphy. The Governor’s proclamation highlighted the achievements of New
Jerseyans who are blind, visually impaired or deaf-blind and the importance of
independent living supports, vocational rehabilitation and eye health services
provided by the Commission.
“The LEAP program is a terrific resource to older New Jerseyans with vision
loss; it provides them with the tools and resources they need to be able to
remain independent in their homes and use technology to remain engaged in their
communities,” said Deputy Commissioner Elisa Neira.
For more information or to sign up for a free class, call the Talking Book &
Braille Center at 800-792-8322, extension 812.
David Goldfield
Assistive Technology Specialist
Feel free to visit my Web site
WWW.DavidGoldfield.info
