South Central Kentucky Council of the Blind

10/01/2025

I’m gonna miss the virtual chat I sure hope the government gets his act together soon. 

Updated October 1, 2025:

The Kentucky Talking Book Library is currently operating normally.

The NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) service remains operational and patrons can still download titles. Patrons will also continue to receive their braille and talking books through the U.S. Mail.

However, due to the federal government shutdown, NLS will be unable to produce or distribute new materials, including magazines and music section service. Additionally, NLS will be unable to hold any virtual programs during this time.

If you have questions or need assistance, feel free to call KTBL at 800-372-2968, 502-564-5791, or email us at ktbl.mail@ky.gov.”

08/11/2025

We’re a day late and a dollar short in celebrating National Dollar Day, which was yesterday. But here’s good news: all year ’round, NLS partners with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) to support the US Currency Reader Program. This program provides free currency reader devices to those eligible who are visually impaired. The currency reader is a compact device that announces a paper note’s value when the note is inserted. To learn how to get a currency reader and similar BEP mobile apps, visit www.loc.gov/nls/services-and-resources/us-currency-reader-program.
[Image: An iBill device on top up one-, five-, ten- and twenty-dollar bills]

07/28/2025

In this video, I take you on an in-depth exploration of Tandem, the innovative remote support app now available on the BlindShell Classic 3 — the revolutiona...

07/28/2025

Designed for the Blind

07/12/2025

Try this you won’t be sorry! 

Turn your personal laptop or desktop computer into an NLS audiobook player with BARD Express! Or use BARD Express to download accessible books from NLS to your Windows-based computer and transfer them to an NLS cartridge or USB drive. Or you can keep your titles on your BARD bookshelf to download and enjoy later. PC users can learn more about how BARD Express simplifies downloading, transferring and listening to NLS books by visiting www.loc.gov/nls/bard-express. Need to register for BARD service? Visit https://nlsbard.loc.gov to get started.
[Image: A woman uses the BARD Express player on her laptop outside. iStock photo.]

06/29/2025

She first experienced vision complications at the age of 20, but never let this stop her from pursuing her aspirations...and we're beyond excited to welcome her to this episode of “Demand and Disrupt”!! She is Stephanie Levin of New Jersey, who holds titles ranging from PHD candidate, to student...

06/25/2025

This is really good news. Glad to hear it! 

Hi everyone! We have incredible news that we simply couldn’t wait to share – LookAround is officially back in the GoodMaps app, and it’s been completely reimagined to be more powerful, intuitive, and empowering than ever before!

Inspired by the overwhelming love and feedback from our amazing community, the new LookAround captures everything you cherished about the original feature while taking it to extraordinary new heights. The concept remains beautifully simple: just raise your phone and instantly discover what’s around you – shops, restaurants, exhibits, accessibility features, and so much more.

No need to search, no destination required, just pure spontaneous discovery.

Whether you’re navigating a busy airport and curious about nearby dining options, exploring a museum and wanting to learn about surrounding exhibits, or simply getting your bearings in any new space, LookAround gives you the independence and confidence to explore on your own terms. The enhanced accuracy and richer information mean you’re getting the most reliable, helpful guidance possible.

Read our blog post to learn more → https://goodmaps.com/newsroom/reimagining-lookaround/

We’re excited for you to see what’s coming next – stay tuned for announcements that will further transform accessible navigation.

Please try out the new LookAround and tell us about your adventures! Your experiences, feedback, and stories are what drive our innovation and remind us why this work matters so much. We can’t wait to hear how LookAround is empowering your explorations and opening up new possibilities in your daily life.