Barbara, I know your question has already generated quite a response, but if you are still in need of suggestions please feel free to contact us directly at the Braille and Talking Book library. Depending on the technology skills of your volunteer, they would be able to do anything your sighted staff could do as far as phone and computer/reference work. Do your work stations have a screen reader program already? Jaws is a very common program, but there are also free applications such as NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) that can be downloaded. And of course, there are non-technology related duties that would be appropriate as well.

Have a great day!

Stephanie Wambaugh

Reader Advisor, Outreach & Youth Librarian
BSBP Braille & Talking Book Library

P.O. Box 30007
702 W. Kalamazoo St.
Lansing, MI 48909-7507

From: michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org [mailto:michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org] On Behalf Of barbara@milanlibrary.org
Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2015 12:20 PM
To: michlib-l@mcls.org
Subject: [Michlib-l] Visually Impaired Volunteer

Hello All!

We've had an offer of volunteer time starting this fall by a significantly visually impaired person.  We'd love to take her up on her interest and enthusiasm but are struggling to identify tasks that might be suitable.  She mentioned answering phones, but our phone traffic isn't that substantial and most calls require checking a the catalog or a patron's circulation record. 

Any experiences with this or brilliant ideas to pass along will be much appreciated!

Thanks,

Barbara

Barbara Beaton

Assistant Director/Reference Librarian

Milan Public Library

151 Wabash St.

Milan, MI 48160

(734) 439-1240