Greenwich Library announced the acquisition of a DaVinci Reading Machine to assist disabled patrons. The DaVinci HD/OCR All-In-One Desktop Magnifier is the state of the art in assisted reading equipment. Not only does the device magnify text for readers, but with a pair of headphones, the machine will scan and read text to patrons.
The machine, donated in the memory of Dr. Stanley Gross, is a welcome addition to the existing ADA-accessible equipment and services available at Greenwich Library, including video magnifiers and software that allows users to listen to the contents of a computer screen.
This acquisition is part of the Library’s continuing objective to provide easy and efficient access for all community residents through adaptive technology and a rich variety of formats and services.
The new DaVinci Reading Machine has been installed in the alcove under the stairs leading to the study carrel mezzanine in the Periodicals Reading Room. Those who wish to use the audio capabilities of the equipment should bring their own headphones or purchase them at the Library’s Welcome Desk.
Other devices to assist the visually impaired Greenwich Library include:
Two closed circuit television (CCTV) devices that use a camera to magnify/reduce print on books & documents that a patron needs to read: the Optelec Spectrum Magnifier is located on the second floor by the Audiobook section; the Video Eye Millennium magnifier is located on the first floor in Periodicals, next to the DaVinci.
The Optelec Traveller is a portable electronic CCTV device that can also be used to magnify the print from a book or document. This device is available at the first floor reference desk to all patrons with a Library card or state issued identification.
The Ruby Handheld Video Magnifier displays text on periodicals & documents on a brightly lit 4.3 inch screen and can be magnified without any distortion of traditional magnifying glasses. Some visually impaired patrons will benefit from The Ruby’s contrast mode which reverses the color of the background and the text. The Ruby is available to all patrons with a Library card or state issued identification at the second floor reference desk outside the Flinn Gallery.
Specialized software (available on a special computer next to the first floor reference desk) includes JAWS, which allows users to listen to the contents of the computer’s screen, and MAGic, which magnifies what’s on the screen.
For more information about ADA accessible services at Greenwich Library, please call ADA Librarian Ed Morrissey at 203-622-7918, email emorrissey@greenwichlibrary.org or visit greenwichlibrary.org/accessibility
