Blind and Physically Handicapped Library Services (BPHLS)
Eligibility Criteria For BPHLS Service
Individual Requirements:
Individual must meet at least one of the following:
- Cannot hold a book or turn pages due to physical
disabilities
- Cannot see standard size print due to visual impairment or
blindness
- Have temporary disabilities due to injury, illness, or surgery
- Have an organic-based reading disability
Mississippi residents unable to read or use
standard print materials as a result of temporary or permanent visual or
physical limitations are eligible for this service. Blindness is not the only
qualifying condition. Even those with low vision due to problems such as macular
degeneration, are eligible. Physical conditions such as missing arms or hands,
lack of muscle coordination, or prolonged weakness are qualifying conditions
when their result is an inability to hold a book or turn pages. Persons with
physically based, medically certifiable reading disabilities (such as dyslexia),
and institutions serving clientele with qualifying conditions are also eligible.
Institutional Requirements:
Reading materials and Talking Book Players may be
loaned to institutions, such as nursing homes and hospitals, and to schools for
the blind or physically handicapped for use by such persons only. Services can also
be made to public or private schools where handicapped students are enrolled
provided the students are certified as eligible on an individual basis and are
the direct and only recipients of the materials. Mississippi institutions or agencies providing service to clientele with qualifying disabilities also qualify for service.
Applications:
An application may be downloaded from the link below or obtained by contacting the BPH Library.
All applications must be returned by mail or in
person as federal rules require original signatures.
Free Library Service Application: Individuals
Free Library Service Application: Institutions
Applications must be certified on the last page of the application by a "competent authority." In cases of blindness, visual disability, or physical limitations, "competent
authority" is defined to include doctors of medicine; doctors of osteopathy;
ophthalmologists; optometrists; registered nurses; therapists; professional
staff of hospitals, institutions, and public or welfare agencies (e.g., social
workers, case workers, counselors, rehabilitation teachers, and
superintendents). In the absence of any of these, certification may be made by
professional librarians or by any persons whose competence under specific
circumstances is acceptable to the Library of Congress.
However, in the case of a reading disability from organic
dysfunction, competent authority is strictly defined as doctors of medicine and doctors
of osteopathy.
For more information:
Call: 1-800-446-0892 (toll free) or 601-432-4116 (within the Jackson area)
Fax: 601-432-4476
Email: lbph@mlc.lib.ms.us
Mail: Mississippi Library Commission
Attn: BPHLS
3881 Eastwood Drive
Jackson, MS 39211-6473
Updated: 3/6/2012
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