Assistive Services and Technologies are the library resources that help to make it possible for individuals with a visual, physical, hearing or speech disability to access library materials, equipment and services.
All branches of the Miami‑Dade Public Library System are accessible to persons using wheelchairs. Search the list of library locations for your nearest branch, or contact us by phone at 305‑375‑2665 or Systemwide TDD available via the Florida Relay Service at 7‑1‑1.
Assisted Listening Devices (ALDs) are instruments designed to amplify sounds to make it easier for persons who are hearing‑impaired to enjoy a library program.
To request a device, notify the Branch Manager a minimum of seven working days prior to the program.
Connections: Library Service for the Homebound loans books and other library materials by mail to persons who are unable to visit the library in person due to disabilities or conditions of aging.
Florida Relay Service (FRS) is a telephone relay service provided for persons with hearing or speech disabilities.
The FRS provides a communication link between people who use standard telephone equipment and those individuals who use a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD). A communication assistant at a FRS center answers the call and serves as a liaison between the person using the TDD and the person using standard telephone equipment. Persons without hearing disabilities who are trying to reach individuals who use a TDD may also use the relay service. All conversations are confidential. There is no charge for local calls and long distance calls are offered at discounted rates.
All voice telephone numbers on this website may be reached by persons using TTY / TDD equipment by calling the Florida Relay Service at 7‑1‑1.
All library computers are equipped with the Microsoft Windows Accessibility magnifier, which makes the computer screen more readable by creating a separate window that displays a magnified portion of the screen.
Sign language interpreters are available upon request to translate at any library event or program. To arrange for an interpreter, notify the Branch Manager at least seven working days prior to the event or program.
The Braille & Talking Books Library loans audio and Braille books and magazines, along with a player, FREE by mail to persons who have difficulty reading or using printed books and other materials because of blindness, or visual, physical or reading disabilities.
Persons who are deaf or have hearing or speech disabilities may contact the Miami‑Dade Public Library System through a TDD, or Telecommunication Device for the Deaf. The TDD allows users to send text messages via a keyboard.
A separate phone line for TDD communication is provided at the following locations:
| Main Library | 305‑679‑7977 |
|---|---|
| Connections | 305‑474‑7258 |
| South Dade Regional Library | 305‑233‑8146 |
The Topaz uses a camera system combined with a television monitor to enlarge or magnify the size of an image for persons with visual disabilities. The Topaz also makes it possible to alter the contrast displayed on the screen, viewing the image as either black print on a white background or vice versa. It may be used to view books, pictures, maps, photographs, and handwritten letters. Copies cannot be printed from this device.
Zoom Text Magnifier/Reader is a magnification and reading software that makes computers accessible to users with low vision. Zoom Text Magnifier/Reader enlarges, enhances and reads aloud everything displayed on the computer screen.
The Zoom Text Magnifier/Reader software is available on one computer at each branch.