Talking Book Services staff members receive award
September 2, 2015
COLUMBIA, SC – The South Carolina State Library’s Talking Book Services director, Sandy Knowles, was presented with the Employer of the Year award on August 22, 2015 at the National Federation of the Blind state convention. This award was given “in appreciation of outstanding record of providing meaningful employment opportunities for blind South Carolinians.”
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The South Carolina State Library’s Talking Book Services department provides free informational and recreational reading materials to qualified users in accessible formats.
South Carolina residents, of all ages and income levels, unable to read or use standard print materials as a result of 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.
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The National Federation of the Blind advocates for individuals with blindness and low vision, and as such, encourages equality and mutual respect. Embracing more than 50,000 members, the Federation also includes affiliates and local chapters from each state. The South Carolina Chapter holds its convention every August.
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For more information about the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina, please visit their website at nfbofsc.org. For more information about Talking Book Services, please visit sctalkingbook.org.
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About the S.C. State Library
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The South Carolina State Library develops, supports, and sustains a thriving statewide community of learners committed to making South Carolina stronger. The Library serves the people of South Carolina by supporting state government and libraries to provide opportunities for learning in a changing environment. It is the primary administrator of federal and state support for the state’s libraries. In 1969, as the result of action by the General Assembly, the State Library Board was redesignated as the South Carolina State Library and assumed responsibility for public library development, library service for state institutions, service for the blind and physically handicapped, and library service to state government agencies. Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., the Library is funded by the state of South Carolina, by the federal government through the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and other sources.
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