Assistive Technology Center

An array of devices which can help older adults deal with some of the physical limitations which can come with increasing age.

Shelves are laden with amplified telephones, extra-loud alarm clocks, and special listening devices which can amplify a voice or a television signal.
Giant timers, talking watches, and an exceptional array of magnifiers will be of value to those with low vision.
Ask to see the library's newest purchase: a closed circuit TV which can magnify book or newspaper print up to 50 times.

Many of the items may be checked out, just like a book. Although they are not intended for long-term use by a patron, they can be very helpful in determining if a purchase is desirable. Catalogs from suppliers are also available.

Representative List of Devices Available for Demonstration and Check-Out:

Vision
Magnifiers, Talking Clocks, Watches, Resource Catalogs, Descriptive Videos

Hearing
Text telephones (TTY and VCO), Amplified Telephones, Vibrating Alarm Clocks and Watches, Assistive Listening Devices (Pocket Talkers, Infrared, FM), Closed Captioned Videos

In-Library Assistance (Not for check-out)
Closed Circuit TV Magnification, Computer Magnification Software, Hands-Free Dictation Software, Enlarged Computer Monitor

The Assistive Technology Center is a component of The Senior Resource Center . Created especially for Polk County residents who are over the age of 55, The Senior Resource Center is made possible by a U.S. Department of Education LSCA (Library Services and Construction Act) grant administered by the State Library of North Carolina.

"The North Carolina Assistive Technology Project is also an excellent resource for those needing to learn more about what’s available for people with disabilities. It is a federally funded grant under Public Law 103-218 through the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. U.S. Department of Education, and is administered by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. The project’s web page can be found at http://www.ncatp.org.