North Western Library, which includes the local government areas of Warren, Bogan, Coonamble and Gilgandra, has been successful under the Australian Government’s Increasing Accessibility Library Initiative, which is providing $1 million for digital playback devices to be made available for loan to people with print disability through public libraries across Australia.

North Western Library will receive 10 digital playback devices for our region. The initiative also includes training library staff to help users access available resources.

“Almost 20 per cent of the Australian population is unable to read standard print information; this includes people who are blind, have low vision or people with a physical or learning disability,” regional library manager Pam Kelly said.

“Providing access to material in a range of alternative formats plays a vital role in increasing the independence of people with print disability and enhancing their engagement with the broader community.”

Digital playback devices such as DAISY players and audio-navigators work by ‘reading’ digital materials such as books and newspapers, making print material more accessible for people with print disability.

“Public libraries provide valuable resources, services and information to all Australians. The playback devices mean people with print disability will be able to benefit from more of the material held in public libraries across the nation.”

The Increasing Accessibility Library Initiative is part of an $11 million accessibility package to support the National Disability Strategy.

Australian Library and Information Association is helping to deliver the Increasing Accessibility Library Initiative and will play a vital role in delivering the playback devices to public library services across the country.