The South Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas, and the Federal Member for Kingston, Amanda Rishworth, yesterday visited Noarlunga Library to test drive the new technology.
Using a DAISY player device today, Ms Rishworth said “Fifteen new playback devices is a great addition to our local library network and I’m sure local residents with a vision impairment or disability will take full advantage of the improved access to the library’s content.
“It’s great to have our local library staff receive training from Vision Australia to ensure they can help locals to use the new equipment and access the available resources.”
The digital playback devices, called DAISY Players, work by ‘reading’ digital materials such as books and newspapers, giving people with print disability increased access to the vast range of digital material available through public libraries.
“Almost one fifth of the Australian population are unable to read standard print information; this includes people who are blind, have low vision or people with a physical or learning disability,” Senator McLucas said.
“Our Library Initiative supports them to access and enjoy books and other printed material again.”
“Many people who have not read anything for years are being reintroduced to the joy of books through the technology being delivered to libraries by the Gillard Government.”
“And it helps people with disability access information, which we know is so important in the modern world for education, employment and staying connected.”
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