Assistive technology helps people with disabilities complete everyday tasks, from using their cell phone to reading their mail. Through the Center for Accessibility (C4A), we help train and educate individuals on the use of assistive technologies through classes, demo sessions, and presentations.
Classes offered throughout the year include JAWS for PC computers, using iOS VoiceOver (found on iPhone, iPad and Mac computers), and Android TalkBack. We also offer sessions focused on the latest assistive technologies, including discussions with guest speakers. Please sign up for the C4A newsletter for the latest times and dates for our classes.
Additionally, all public library computers have Fusion, JAWS, and ZoomText, which are screen reading and computer magnification softwares used by blind and low vision users. Desktop magnifiers, also referred to as CCTV readers, are offered at some branches. Other assistive technologies are available at the C4A including a SARA Scanner (a self-contained scanning and reading instrument), various types of magnifiers, and a videophone.
Please scroll down for a list of current adaptive equipment and software in C4A and at other branches,
This guide will be updated as often as possible. Please reach out to your preferred location to verify current equipment and services.
Available Assistive Technology and Locations
American Sign Language - Language Line Service
Audio Loops
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An audio loop system or hearing loop (induction loop) assists patrons who are hard of hearing or deaf with assistive listening. The system takes the source of the sound from a microphone and transfers it to a hearing aid or cochlear implant or receiver with a headset. Patrons who need assistive listening and do not have a hearing aid or cochlear implant or personal device with a T-coil can borrow a receiver to pick up the sound.
- Capital View
- Cleveland Park
- Lamond-Riggs
- Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
- A-Level (in front of Large screen)
- Great Hall
- Auditorium
- Palisades
- West End
- Woodridge
*Check with Library branch for exact location of the audio loop system. It will usually be in the branch's large meeting room.
CCTV/Magnifiers
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A device to increase the size, contrast, and brightness of anything you wish to read. Magnifies up to 16x!
- Anacostia
- Bellevue (William O. Lockridge)
- Chevy Chase
- Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
- Center for Accessibility
- Adult Non-Fiction Reading Room
- Northeast
- Palisades
- Rosedale
- Shaw (Watha T. Daniel)
- Tenley-Friendship
JAWS/ZoomText/Fusion
Large Print Keyboard
Pocketalker
Ubiduo
Videophone
Available Equipment & Technology at the Center for Accessibility
This list is inclusive of equipment found in the Center for Accessibility on the 2nd Floor of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library:
- Braille embosser (Staff may print up to 100 Braille pages for members of the public)
- CCTV/Desktop Magnifiers
- JAWS/ZoomText/Fusion
- Language Line Remote ASL Interpretation
- Large print keyboards
- Pocketalker
- OCR Scanners (document scanner that converts printed text to speech)
- Optelec ClearReader +
- SARA scanner
- UbiDuo
- Videophone
More Services Provided by The Center For Accessibility
DC Talking Book and Braille Program (NLS)
Part of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS).

Library By Mail
Service to mail library material to those who cannot physically visit a DCPL location due to disability or illness.

