New computers enable visually impaired residents to read library books

The Mayor of Merton, Councillor Stuart Pickover, will launch Talking Eyes, a new speaking computer, at the Donald Hope Library in Colliers Wood, on Friday 21 September at 12 noon.

The new computer technology will provide Merton’s visually impaired residents with access to books and video’s in the Borough’s libraries.

Based at the Donald Hope Library, the Talking Eye consists of a scanner and a PC that reads out text. It will enable visually impaired users to have access to the written material in the library. More large print books, talking books and described videos have also been added to the existing collection at the library and a readers group for visually impaired residents takes place every month.

The Talking Eyes Project was funded by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, through Resource, an organisation that promotes facilities for disabled people in public places.

Merton libraries have also used the award money to provide magnifying monitors in four of Merton’s Libraries. The monitors, that are located at Morden, Mitcham, Wimbledon and Donald Hope libraries, magnify the computer screen to assist visually impaired users.

For further information on the Talking Eyes Project please contact Diane Slater, Project Manager, on 020 8545 3819. Alternatively contact the Donald Hope Library Manager, Vee Childe, on 020 8542 1975.

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