AUSTIN, TX – The 2011 Disability Status Report—released in February, 2013—states that over 226,000 Texans age 65 and older have a visual disability. An active mind is part of healthy aging, but what if you are starting to have trouble with your vision and are struggling to read your favorite books and magazines? How do you engage your mind if you can’t read the words in standard print books or magazines?

The Texas Talking Book Program (TBP) provides free digital audio books and magazines, large print, and Braille books to Texas residents of all ages who have visual disabilities such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and other diseases of the eye. Persons with physical disabilities that prevent them from holding a book and turning pages may also qualify. TBP loans eligible persons a free digital audio player, and there is no cost for return postage.

Even though someone’s vision may be diminished, they can still enjoy the pleasure of reading books and magazines. Talking Book Program services are completely free, and there are over 80,000 titles and 50 magazines from which to choose. For more information on TBP, call toll free 1-800-252-9605, or (512) 463-5458 in Austin. Visit the TBP website at www.texastalkingbooks.org