The Communication Center follows guidelines established by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. The Equipment Section determines eligibility for blind, visually impaired, and physically impaired individuals seeking Communication Center services.

The Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library provides recorded cassettes and braille books and magazines produced by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically handicapped. The Library also loans large print books and descriptive videos. The Equipment Section of the Communication Center provides individuals with the special equipment needed to listen to recordings of books and magazines produced by the National Library Service or the Communication Center on cassette. These recordings are played at a slower speed that is not available on commercial machines.

Reading disabled individuals must apply directly to the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library at 507-333-4828 or 1-800-722-0550 in Faribault for determination of eligibility.

The Equipment Section also distributes Minnesota Radio Talking Book receivers which provide access to the closed circuit RTB network.

Call the Center’s Equipment Desk at 651-642-0885 or 1-800-652-9000 for replacement equipment while machines are returned for repair.

The highly skilled staff of the Communication Center’s Engineering Section provides direct repair services for the special technologies loaned to customers. The Section trains and manages a corps of technical volunteers who assist in repair. Technicians operate and repair digital and analog equipment used in media duplication. Comprehensive technical support is provided for the Radio Talking Book broadcast studios, satellite distribution, and statewide transmission equipment. Technical support is also provided for equipment in our 20 volunteer recording booths, as well as recording equipment in volunteer homes.

Applicants who are blind, visually impaired or physically impaired should mail an application signed by an ophthalmologist, medical doctor, or other “competent authority” as defined by the National Library Service to: Communication Center, 2200 University Ave W, Suite 240, St. Paul, MN 55114-1840.

Applicants with reading disabilities should mail application signed by a medical doctor to: Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library, 388 SE 6th Ave, Faribault, MN 55021-6340. Telephone: 507-333-4828 or 1-800-722-0550.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please use our Information Request form.