Blind/Visually Impaired (BVI) Accessible Material Order Information:
August 2014 Update
Communication Center
State Services for the Blind
2200 University Avenue West #240 St. Paul, MN 55114-1840
Toll Free: 1-800-652-9000
Phone: 651-539-2300
Fax: 651-649-5927
The following information has been designed to assist teachers of the blind/visually impaired
(TBVI) when ordering BVI accessible materials. It is our goal that all readers receive their
materials in an accessible format at the same time as their sighted peers.
TO ORDER: Non-academic books, including classics, novels and recreational/leisure books,
you must first contact the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library (MBTBL). If MBTBL does
not have the book, contact State Services for the Blind (SSB).
MBTBL audio, braille, and large print collections include many of the same books you might find
in a public library. The library receives many nationally prominent fiction and nonfiction, current
events, biographies, history, mysteries, romances and science fiction titles. The collection
contains books for lifelong-learning, but not textbooks.
Students need to be eligible and registered for services in order to receive materials and
equipment directly. School and school districts are also eligible for library service. Contact the
MBTBL at 1-800-722-0550 or by email at [email protected] to request an institution
application. Applications are also available online (http://www.loc.gov/nls). Applications can be
filled out online and then mailed, emailed or faxed to the library. The library’s loan period is six
weeks, but materials can be renewed by contacting the library.
All digital and many braille books are available to download via the Internet from Minnesota
Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD). You will need to obtain a BARD username and
password to access the system. Register for the BARD service (https://nlsbard.loc.gov/MN1A)
and complete the online application. Both students and institutions can register for BARD
accounts, but they first must be registered users of the library. If you encounter difficulties
registering for BARD or accessing materials on BARD, contact the library or visit our webpage
(http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/StuSuc/Lib/MBTBL/MNBARD/index.html).
BARD Mobile App (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bard-mobile/id705229586) - The free BARD
Mobile app for Apple devices running iOS version 4.3 (or later) is now available from iTunes.
The app allows Minnesota BARD patrons to download and play audio books and magazines
and read braille books, magazines and music scores. To download titles, you must first add
each desired title to your wish list, or select a title from the "Get Books” tab. Braille readers need
a Bluetooth-enabled, refreshable braille display that is compatible with their iOS device in order
to read electronic braille titles.
You can also search, order or download materials through our web-based online catalog
(www.klas.com/mnbph). To request books online you must be a registered user and know your
eight-character Library patron code. The patron code is found to the left of the punch hole on a
Library mailing label. It is based on your name. Enter this code when prompted for your User ID.
Your default password is the last four digits of your telephone number. Library staff will also give
the code to you. You can change your password at any time. For more information on using the
web catalog visit the Help screens. All materials from MBTBL are available at no cost. For book
searches or further information contact MBTBL at 1-800-722-0550 or by email at
[email protected].
Material from State Services for the Blind (SSB) Communications Center can be obtained
in the following formats:
•
Hard copy embossed braille.
•
Electronic braille ready formats (brf.file, Braille 2000 file, abt, bml, dxb).
•
Electronic rich or text format (rtf, txt files).
•
Audio formats:
o
File Transfer/Download (DAISY format).
o
Cartridge (DAISY format playable in NLS digital players).
o
CD (DAISY format).
o
CD (Playable in any CD player. No DAISY navigation. Available only if material is
not copyrighted by another).
To order BVI accessible material from SSB, be sure to indicate which format/s you are
requesting when filling out the online ordering form (http://mn.gov/deed/job-seekers/blind-visualimpaired/braille/braille/index.jsp).
Paper and phone call requests will no longer be accepted, TBVI must use the online ordering
form. If you have questions regarding the on-line form, contact State Services for the Blind
(SSB) Vicky Roberts: Braille librarian at [email protected]
The following procedures need to be followed when ordering BVI accessible material under the
MDE / SSB Interagency Agreement:
•
Book orders must list a date by which the material is needed. (Please note that only
books needed at the beginning of the school year should list a September date as the
actual date needed.) The dates listed are very important in terms of prioritizing braille
requests and getting braille materials to students on time. Any book orders submitted
without dates will be returned.
•
Book orders can be submitted for published textbooks, workbooks, standardized tests,
music, math, tactile graphics, foreign languages and for classroom handouts that are
technical in nature.
•
Print copies of textbooks should only be submitted to SSB upon request. Submit two
copies of books needing to be transcribed. One of them must be a book; the second
copy can be a bound photo copy, please make sure the copy is legible, if not the book
will be cut for scanning purposes.
•
Material needed for outside activities such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, religious
materials etc. must be ordered by parents or by the outside organization(s) and are not
funded under the Interagency Agreement. However, these items are provided by SSB.
•
Please remember: No Handwritten Material will be accepted.
•
High School level Math and Science books need to be accompanied with a syllabus of
the book before transcription can begin, NO EXCEPTIONS.
•
Book orders for the spring of 2015 are due to SSB by October 30th, 2014. Book orders
for the fall of 2015 are due to SSB by May 15th, 2015. This allows SSB time to verify
information with you if needed. Books to be transcribed must be at the Communication
Center by May 30th to assure that braille will be available for the beginning of school.
Book orders should only be submitted for books that will definitely be used. Avoid
submitting “just in case” book orders.
•
For material needed in the fall, we have found it to be a good practice to have two copies
of each subject your student will be taking in the TBVI’s possession at the closing of the
school year. This helps to ensure the availability of braille at the beginning of the new
school year.
FOLLOW-UP PROCEDURES:
At the beginning of the school year, or new class term, verify that the braille book orders
previously submitted are still correct and submit updated syllabus, if needed.
Cancel book orders that are no longer needed including any books or parts of books that did not
arrive in time for student use. Waiting to cancel braille books/materials that are no longer
needed costs time and money.
Follow-up contacts should be made on requests that have not been addressed within 30 days of
the submitted book orders. Contact Vicky Roberts: Braille librarian at [email protected]
School administrators, classroom teachers, parents and students should be informed about the
importance of notifying teachers of the blind/visually impaired regarding any class changes that
would affect braille needs for the student.
Books supplied or purchased by SSB, may be kept by the school or student until the braille
book is no longer needed. When finished with books return them to SSB for shelving/recycling.
DO NOT send books back to the vendor who may have produced or sent you the book.
Please contact Donna Marhoun at 1-800-652-9000 or email at [email protected] if
there is a problem with the quality of the transcription in books purchased from other agencies.
For braille book searches or more information contact Vicky Roberts: Braille librarian at
[email protected] or call 1-800-652-9000 ext. 0878.
If you have any other questions, contact Kristin Oien at MDE #651-582-8843 or email
[email protected].