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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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