Special Services Unit
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
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
SSU Annual Report
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
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)
