Students requesting books on tape need to start the process early. Qualifying students may register with Recordings for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D) and requests for taped books can be made by calling 1-800-221-4792. RFB&D is a private organization that lends recorded textbooks and other educational materials to people who cannot read standard print because of visual, perceptual or other disability. There is a one time $50 registration fee and $25 annual membership fee. Applications are available on the RFB&D web site at http://www.rfbd.org/membership_indchoices.htm

You will need to use a specially adapted tape player with RFB&D's taped textbooks, since the tapes are recorded on special format, 15/16 inch-per-second 4-track cassettes, which allows the speed to be adjusted. These may be purchased through RFB&D. These tape recorders are also available for loan through the State Library of Ohio at http://winslo.state.oh.us and The Library of Congress at http://www.loc.gov for any individual unable to read or use standard print materials as a result of a temporary or permanent visual or physical limitation. Refer to the organization(s) for other services available.

Are individuals with learning disabilities eligible for services from the the National Library Service (NLS)/Library of Congress?

The definition of learning disabilities varies and may include not only reading disabilities and dyslexia, but also problems with spoken language, writing, or reasoning ability. The National Library Service (NLS) for the Blind and Physical disabilities talking-book program is a service blind or individuals with physical disabilities. All applications must be based on a physical disability, including applications accepted under the terms learning disabilities, for example, dyslexia or reading disability. The competent authority (doctors of medicine or doctors of osteopathy) who certifies (signs) such applications must be medically able to judge whether the disability has a physical or organic basis. For more information about NLS see Recommended Links.

What if the textbook(s) I need is not available through RFB&D?

If the textbook(s) is not available through RFB&D, requests must be submitted to your ODS counselor at least one month prior to the start of the quarter in which the book is needed. Please provide the following information about the textbook(s).

course number, i.e. INT 109-50
title, i.e. Machine Tool Practices
author, i.e. Kibbe
year, i.e. 2002
edition, 7th

For more information about these processes, contact:

Office of Disability Services
Room 10-421
Sinclair Community College
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 512-5113