Disability Services
- General Info
- Talking Books
- Dakota Radio Information Service
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Related Info
The North Dakota State Library Disability Services department offers an array of services for citizens of North Dakota who are unable to read standard print materials because of a visual, physical, or reading impairment. Two programs are available for those who qualify for these services: Talking Books and Dakota Radio Information Services (DRIS).
The Talking Books program provides patrons with free access to cassette books and magazines. The Talking Books program is administered by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), a Division of the Library of Congress.
Dakota Radio Information Services (DRIS) broadcasts local newspapers over a closed circuit radio to the patrons in the middle and western portion of the state. In addition to local news, DRIS also broadcasts a nationally syndicated radio program twenty-four hours a day. These programs utilize volunteers who read newspapers on the radio, record books and magazines, and provide other valuable services to keep this program running smoothly.
Contact Information
Please contact us if:
- you have a question about your service
- your name, address, or telephone number changes
- you need to transfer your service to another state or country
- you want to order books by phone
- your machine is broken, lost, or stolen
- you need a replacement for a damaged or incomplete book
- you wish to discontinue service temporarily or permanently
Disability Services
701-328-2185
Talking Book Request Line
800-843-9948
TDD
701-328-4923, or
800-892-8622
E-mail
tbooks@nd.gov
Mailing Address
North Dakota State Talking Book Library
604 East Boulevard Ave. – Dept. 250
Bismarck, ND 58505-0800
Eligibility
- Persons who are totally and legally blind.
- Persons with visual disabilities who are unable to read standard print clearly and comfortably for a reasonable length of time.
- Persons with physical disabilities who cannot hold a book, turn pages, or focus on printed material due to muscle or nerve deterioration, paralysis, or some other disabling condition.
- Persons with reading or learning disabilities certified by medical doctors as having an organic dysfunction of sufficient severity to prevent reading printed material in a normal manner.
- Persons unable to read due to a temporary visual/physical disability (such as recuperation from surgery) for the duration of the disabling condition.
Services Available
- Recorded Books on Cassette, Large Print and Braille Books
The book collection consists of popular fiction, non-fiction general informational and recreational materials for all ages and tastes, similar to that found in a public library. Patrons may also request books by North Dakota authors, as well as books about North Dakota. - Magazines
There are more than 70 magazines in special formats available for the patrons. - Cassette Players
North Dakota State Talking Book Library lends special cassette players for use with its recorded books. The books are recorded at a speed which is slower than commercial recordings and on four tracks instead of the conventional two tracks. A number of accessories, such as headphones, may be requested. - Free mailing
Books, magazines, machines and catalog book orders are sent and returned via the US Postal Service without cost, thanks to a Free Matter for the Blind and Handicapped mailing privilege. - Reader Advisory
Talking Book staff offers patrons a variety of services, including helping to choose books and subject bibliographies, solving service problems, locating and obtaining books from other states, referral to alternative resources and reference services. - These services are provided without cost to the patron.
If you would like to apply for the Talking Books program, please print the Talking Book Service Application form. Then fill in the form, ask a certifying authority to complete and sign their section, and mail to the address on the top of the form.
Talking Books: Titles Recorded at the State Library (pdf)
Search the NLS online catalog using Voyager
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS)
Dakota Radio Information Service (DRIS) is a reading radio broadcast for persons with print impairments. This broadcast is available 24 hours a day for patrons. The live local news is read live each weekday and is rebroadcast in the evening.
DRIS is received with a closed circuit radio that is provided free of charge by the North Dakota State Library.
Eligibility
- Persons who are totally and legally blind.
- Persons with visual disabilities who are unable to read standard print clearly and comfortably for a reasonable length of time.
- Persons with physical disabilities who cannot hold a book, turn pages, or focus on printed material due to muscle or nerve deterioration, paralysis, or some other disabling condition.
- Persons with reading or learning disabilities certified by medical doctors as having an organic dysfunction of sufficient severity to prevent reading printed material in a normal manner.
- Persons unable to read due to a temporary visual/physical disability (such as recuperation from surgery) for the duration of the disabling condition.
The Dakota Radio Information Service Application form can be filled in online. After you have filled in the form, print it, ask a certifying authority to complete and sign their section, and mail to the address on the top of the form.
Dakota Radio Information Service Program Schedule (pdf)
DRIS Coverage Map
The North Dakota State Library is blessed to have working for us a truly remarkable group of people, our volunteers. As you may know, the North Dakota State Library offers many unique programs for persons with physical, visual, or reading impairments. Without the support from our volunteers, these services would not be possible. The Dakota Radio Information Service (DRIS) provides daily broadcasts of local newspapers and special programming. The Talking Book Services provides talking books, magazines, and large print to North Dakota citizens who are unable to read standard print. Both of these programs rely on volunteers to keep the daily operations running smoothly. Others volunteer with our Circulation Department, helping us keep track of our materials. Some of the volunteer positions include:
Dakota Radio Information Service (DRIS)
- Radio Announcers - Reading newspaper articles, grocery ads, and feature columns for the DRIS broadcast.
- Radio Repair - Basic repair of radio receivers, an ideal volunteer job for those who know something about electronics.
Talking Books Services
- Book and Magazine Narrators - Record fiction and nonfiction books, North Dakota Magazines, and other requested materials.
- Circulation Assistants- Assist staff with the daily circulation of talking books. These duties include shelving, book inspection, tape repair, and a host of other duties.
If you live in the Bismarck area and are interested in volunteering, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 701-328-2185.