Accessibility Resources

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Find resources and services designed specifically to support people with disabilities.
The Library building is accessible and ADA compliant.

Software

Designated public computer station with ZoomText Magnifier/Reader. *This computer station has an adjustable height table.*

ZoomText Magnifier/Reader software is a fully integrated magnification and reading program tailored for low-vision users. Magnifier/Reader enlarges and enhances everything on your computer screen, echoes your typing and essential program activity, and automatically reads documents, web pages, email.

Library Resources

If you have questions about how to use them, please visit us, call the Reference Desk: (708) 649-7485, or email: mpref@mpplibrary.org. If you are using our stream and download services from home, you will need your Melrose Park library card number to log in.

Large Print Books: For low vision levels or eyestrain, the bigger font size of our large print books makes for a great way to continue reading your favorite fiction and nonfiction authors and to discover new ones.
Audiobooks: An great alternative to reading a book is listening to an audiobook. The Library carries a wide variety of fiction and nonfiction books on CD and in digital format. Explore our collections from Media on Demand, Hoopla, and Comics Plus for digital audiobooks.
eBooks: eBooks are a convenient way to read on a computer, ereader, or tablet. You can even change the font and enlarge the text size to suit your comfort level. Try our collections from Hoopla to find ebooks.
24/7 Digital Library: Our Digital Library offers ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, music, movies and TV shows available anytime with your Melrose Park Library card. Stream or download files to your computer, ereader, or smartphone from anywhere with an Internet or wi-fi connection.
- Stream & Download: Access Media on Demand, Hoopla, Kanopy, and Freegal.
  - Dystinct Magazine: Dystinct Magazine is the ultimate resource of inspiration and expertise for families and educators of children with learning difficulties. Check it out on Media on Demand/Libby.
- Online Learning: Access Mango, free online courses, and podcasts.
- Online Research: Access Library databases, special collections, and tips on researching.
- Digital Learning: Learn basic tricks and shortcuts to use as you navigate the internet, apps, email, and more.For

Local Resources

West Suburban Special Recreation Association: Offers a wide variety of recreational programs for persons of all ages with disabilities.
West Suburban Special Recreation Association/Veterans Park District partnership: Offers residents recreation programs for persons with disabilities, of all ages and ability levels.
Easterseals Head Start and Early Head Start: Inclusive, high-quality learning for children ages 0-5 and pregnant women/expectant families.
Family Resource Center on Disabilities: Chicago metropolitan area’s parent training and information center.

State Resources

The Arc of Illinois: Advocates with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, offers training, funds, and supports.
Disability Resources from the Illinois State Library: A list of Illinois and national organizations, state publications and forms, and more.
- Illinois Talking Books Outreach Center: Melrose Park Library cardholders have access to the Illinois Talking Book Outreach Center, a free service that provides talking-books, digital talking-book players, the BARD (Braille Audio and Reading Download) collection, Braille books, recorded/Braille magazines, and more. Any Illinois resident regardless of age, who has a visual, physical, or reading disability that prevents the reading of standard print may apply for service. Go here to apply for free talking book and Braille services.
Equip for Equality: Protects the civil and human rights of people with disabilities.
Illinois Starnet: Assistance, webinars, and support for early childhood education professionals and parents of young children with disabilities.
Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois: Sponsors public hearings and other educational and outreach efforts; provides information to public officials, state agencies, and local organizations and individuals; and conducts studies, training, and research.

National Resources

National Alliance on Mental Illness: Not-for-profit statewide organization of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
National Council on Independent Living: Works to advance independent living and the rights of people with disabilities; longest-running national cross-disability, grassroots organization run by and for people with disabilities.
National Disability Rights Network: Works in Washington, DC on behalf of the Protection and Advocacy Systems and Client Assistance Programs, the nation’s largest providers of legal advocacy services for people with disabilities.