Newsroom

Digital Talking Book Machines (DTBM) are the newest (audio book) players offered by the Library. They are smaller than the cassette players, easy to use, and provide superior sound quality.

The digital player comes in two versions as described below. Both versions play NLS or locally produced books on cartridges. They also have a USB port for playing downloaded books on flash-memory “jump” or “thumb” drives.

The Social Security Administration has announced that monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security benefit amounts will not increase in 2010. Also, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) amount for blindness will remain at $1,640 per month for 2010. The Trial Work amount for Social Security Disability beneficiaries will increase to $720 on January 1, 2010.

Sen. Charles Grassley attended a transportation forum sponsored by the Iowa Department for the Blind held Oct. 31. 

Grassley sat on a panel with Iowa Department of Transportation officials and Iowa Department for the Blind Director Karen Keninger to discuss public transit issues in Iowa, with special focus on how these issues affect those with disabilities, such as blindness.

In this video, Grassley discusses what he has learned about the Iowa Department for the Blind and the independence blind people can achieve.