Miami-Dade Public Library System

Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD)
Library Service for the Homebound TDD Line 305-474-7258

Florida Relay Service (FRS)
1-800-955-8771 (TDD)
1-800-955-8770 (Voice)
1-800-955-8013 (Voice/TDD)

All voice telephone numbers on this website may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.

• Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD)

• Florida Relay Service (FRS)

• Assisted Listening Devices (ALDs)

• Sign Language Interpreters

• CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) Magnifier

• Jaws v10

• Zoom Text

• MAGIc^® Magnifier v11

Assistive Technologies are special services and assistive devices that help make it possible for a person with a visual, hearing or speech impairment to access materials, equipment and services. Available materials include books, periodicals, closed-captioned videos for persons who are hearing impaired and descriptive videos for persons who are visually impaired. The on-line catalog may be searched by subject, title or keyword for items in all formats.

All library computers come equipped with Microsoft Windows XP Accessibility Software. The Start menu contains the Microsoft Accessibility providing visual enhancement utilities.

Windows XP Accessability Utilities

• Magnifier – a display utility that makes the computer screen more readable by creating a separate window that displays a magnified portion of the screen.

• Narrator – a text-to-speech utility that reads what is displayed on the screen – the contents of the active window, menu options, or text that has been typed.

• On-Screen Keyboard – displays a virtual keyboard on the computer screen that allows people to type data by using a pointing device or joystick.

Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD)
Persons who are deaf, hearing, or speech impaired may contact the Miami-Dade Public Library System via a Telecommunication Device for the Deaf/TDD. The TDD allows users to send text messages back and forth via a keyboard.

Florida Relay Service (FRS)
Is a telephone relay service provided for persons with hearing or speech impairments. The FRS provides a communication link between people who use standard telephone equipment and those individuals who use a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD). A communication assistant at a FRS center answers the call and serves as a liaison between the person using the TDD and the person using standard telephone equipment. Persons without hearing impairments who are trying to reach individuals who use a TDD may also use the service. All conversations are confidential. There is no charge for local calls and long distance calls are offered at discounted rates.

Assisted Listening Devices (ALDs)
Are instruments designed to amplify sounds to make it easier for persons who are hearing-impaired to enjoy a library program. The devices come in a variety of sizes and can be used with different types of hearing aids or alone with headphones. Request the device through the Branch Manager seven working days prior to the program.

Sign Language Interpretation
To arrange for an interpreter, notify the Branch Manager at least seven working days prior to the event or program.

ALIS (Accessible Library Information System)
Is an automated system that integrates a PC, scanner, laser printer, Braille printer, and specialized software. It can convert printed materials and online information into synthesized speech, large print, or Braille output. Allows a person who is blind to access the Internet using synthesized speech. Because of the complexity of the system, patrons must be already familiar with PC operation to use it. The ALIS is located in the Periodicals Department at the Main Library. Call t 305-375-5581 to reserve a time slot.

CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) Magnifier
Uses a camera system combined with a television to enlarge or magnify the size of an image. The CCTV also enables you to alter the contrast, viewing the image as either black print on a white background or vice versa. It may be used to view books, pictures, maps and photographs to handwritten letters. Copies cannot be printed from this device. The following libraries have CCTV magnifiers:

Coral Gables Branch
Coral Reef Branch
Homestead Branch
Main Library
Miami Beach Regional
Miami Lakes Branch
North Dade Regional
South Dade Regional
South Miami Branch
Sunny Isles Beach Branch
West Dade Regional
West Kendall Regional

JAWS v10
JAWS for Windows provides access to today's software applications and the Internet for those who are blind or have low vision, its multilingual synthesizer, Eloquence, speaks through the computer's sound card, reading information from the screen aloud and providing access to a wide variety of informative, educational, and job-related applications. JAWS supports standard Windows applications and other popular applications with little or no customization. Some of these include Microsoft® Office Suite 2007, 2003, XP, and 2000, Internet Explorer, MSN Messenger, Corel®  Word Perfect, Adobe® Acrobat Reader, and many more.

Zoom Text
Is a magnification and reading software which enables computer users to enlarge words. ZoomText helps make computers accessible and friendly to users with low-vision. ZoomText software is available on one computer at each branch.

MAGic^® Magnifier v11
Computer users who need low vision aids can take control of web and software application pages. MAGic® screen magnification software increases the size of what you see on a monitor and also speaks aloud screen contents.