The Special Services Unit includes:

• Services to the Visually Impaired and Disabled (SSH)
• Services to State-Supported Institutions (SSI)

It provides a service of advice and consultation to libraries in state institutions; provides and maintains reading materials for individuals with visual impairments and other qualifying disabilties as well as selected state institutions.  The Unit targets library and information services to persons having difficulty using a library.

The Special Services Unit is a regional network library of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, providing recorded books and other materials to qualifying individuals. To apply for these free library services, including "talking books," large print, braille, or audio-described videos, please complete the application below. Note that applications cannot be accepted via email, as we must have an original signature of the certifying authority.

The Special Services Unit is located at 578 Paine Turnpike North in Berlin. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed state holidays.

For more information, email lib.ssu@state.vt.us, or call 1.800.479.1711 (toll free in Vermont) or 802.828.3273.

Application for free library service for persons who are blind or physically impaired (PDF) 

Link to Special Services' online catalog

Instructions for individuals

Instructions for libraries

NLS BARD (Braille & Audio Reading Download) site

Non-NLS services:

List of audio-described DVDs and videos, updated March 2013

OneClick Digital commercial audio book download service (contact SSU for login)

Universal Class free online classes (contact SSU for login)

List of BiFolkal and SlIdeas activity kits for libraries, nursing homes, and other institutions (Word)

Special Services Patron Newsletter in large print

Winter 2013 (Word)  (PDF)

Summer 2012 (Word)  (PDF)

Winter 2012 (Word)  (PDF)

Fall 2011 (Word)  (PDF)

SSU Annual Report

FY2012 PDF

SSU Library Advisory Council

Next meeting: April/May 2013 date to be announced

Members--coming soon

Minutes

Inaugural Meeting, February 6, 2013 not yet approved

Proto Group, November 28, 2012

Proto Group, October 4, 2012

Proto Group, July 25, 2012

Proto Group, June 25, 2012

Bylaws

Other websites of interest

Vermont Division for the Blind & Visually Impaired

Vermont Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired

Learning Ally (formerly Reading for the Blind & Dyslexic)

Bookshare

Department Organization Chart

Department Staff Directory