How to Apply
Step 1: Determine eligibility
Arizona residents are eligible to apply for services if a competent authority* certifies one of the following conditions:
- Visual impairment - with correction and regardless of optical measurement - prevents the reading of standard printed material.
- Visual acuity is 20/200 or less in the better eye with correcting lenses, or the widest diameter of visual field subtends an angular distance no greater than 20 degrees.
- Physical limitation prevents the use of standard printed materials (for example, cannot hold a book or turn pages).
- Reading/learning disability is physically based and severe enough to prevent the reading of printed material in a normal manner
(must be certified by a medical doctor, who may consult with colleagues in associated disciplines).
*In most cases, competent authorities include:
- Doctors of medicine or osteopathy, ophthalmologists, optometrists, registered nurses, and therapists.
- Professional staff of hospitals, institutions, and public or welfare agencies.
- Professional librarians.
- Person whose competence under specific circumstances is acceptable to the Library of Congress.
- In case of reading/learning disability application must be certified by a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy.
The qualifying visual or physical disability may be either temporary or permanent.
Step 2: Submit an Application
There are two ways to obtain an application:
- Contact the Arizona Talking Book Library to request a print application form. Submit a request by email or call 602-255-5578; outside the Phoenix area 800-255-5578.
- Fill out the online application form, print it, have it certified and mail or fax it to the Talking Book Library (form cannot be submitted online).
Individual Application