Assistive Services
The Orange County Library System welcomes persons with special needs. The Library is committed to providing equal access to information and materials to all users.
Services for those with print disabilities:
- Magnifying lenses
- Large print books/periodicals
- Enlarging photocopiers which can produce large-print versions of copies
- Books on CD and cassette
- Talking Books and players
Talking books contain the complete text of a printed book or periodical recorded on cassette. A special player is required. Both the player and talking books are mailed free of charge to participants in this program.
- Descriptive videos (videos in which key visual events are narrated)
- Vision Excel magnifier
Located on the third floor of the Orlando Public Library, this electronic magnifier enlarges text and images up to 55X and displays the results on a 20-inch monitor.
- Assistive catalog and internet station
All branch locations and the Computer Resource Center of the Orlando Public Library house assistive vision stations that include JAWS for Windows, MAGic Screen Magnification, OpenBook, a 19-inch monitor, and a Braille keyboard.
Jaws for Windows is a software program that uses a speech synthesizer to read aloud all text that appears on the screen.
MAGic Screen Magnification is a screen magnification program that enlarges images and text that appear on the screen.
OpenBook allows you to convert printed documents or graphic based text into an electronic text format using accurate optical character recognition and quality speech.
In addition to these technologies, some internet stations feature Bigprint software which enlarges and enhances text.
Our public access computers that have a sound card and CD-ROM are compatible with Freedom Box software.
The Library Events Phone Line is updated monthly and announces all of our upcoming events! Join in the fun and call the Library Event Phone Line. 407.835.7320.
Services for those with hearing disabilites:
- TDD phone number
Patrons using a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf may contact the Library at 407.835.7641.
- Wireless assisted listening devices
Patrons attending Library Programs in any Library location may obtain assisted listening devices to use during the program. Please see a staff member for further details. For accommodations at other Library locations, please contact staff in that location at least 24 hours in advance.
- HOVRS (Hands On Video Relay System)
- Closed captioned videos
- Sorenson Video Relay Service
Services for those with mobility disabilities:
- Wheelchair (available for use at the Main Library)
- Wheelchair accessible catalog/internet stations
- Telephone access to Library services
Call Quest Line at 407.835.7323 for answers to reference questions and to request materials for home delivery. To renew materials by phone, call 407.316.0021.
- Internet access to our catalog and services
Through the Library's Web site, www.ocls.info, you can search the Library catalog and even ask a reference question. With a Library card and PIN, you may also reserve titles and request home delivery, check your account, renew items and access some of the Library's databases.
How can I find audio-described videos for the visually impaired?
DVS (Descriptive Videos) have been available in as exclusive DVS videos. Some DVD titles have DVD capabilities.
When looking for descriptive videos for the visually impaired, you can search the catalog by keyword with the phrase "descriptive video" or "DVS." For easier access, view this full list of descriptive videos.
Still not sure if a title has DVS capabilities? Just look for "Video recordings for the visually impaired" or "DVS" under Subject.
How do I find close-captioned videos?
From the home page of the catalog, choose keyword search. Type in "hearing impaired" and you will get a list of closed-captioned videos, most recent first. To narrow the search, click on Advanced Search from the home page and combine "hearing impaired" as a subject search with any other subject, title, author, year or format you want.
What is the Sorenson Video Relay Service?
The Sorenson VRS has been installed in Reference Central. It is located between the map room and the entrance to the first individual study room. The Sorenson Video Relay Service (VRS) is a free service for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community that enables anyone to conduct video relay calls with family, friends, or business associates through a certified ASL interpreter via a high-speed internet connection and a video relay solution.
Learn more about Sorenson VRS
What is HOVRS?
Hands On Video Relay Services (HOVRS) provides a communication tool that allows the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community to communicate effectively and naturally with the hearing world through American Sign Language (ASL). HOVRS uses the Internet to provide an audio/video link to a qualified, certified Video Interpreter (VI) who interprets between the visual language of ASL and the auditory language of a hearing person.
HOVRS has been installed in 7 library locations: 4th Floor Main Library, Hiawassee Branch, South Creek Branch, Edgewater Branch, Washington Park Branch, South Trail Branch and North Orange Branch.
