DVD offer descriptive video feature for the visually impaired

The Adult Services Department of the Rosenberg Library has added new items to its collection to serve those who are blind or have difficulty seeing.The library has begun to collect DVDs that are known as “descriptive video.” These are movies and documentaries that are narrated to give the viewer a better idea of what is happening on the screen.

PBS is the leader in this technology, library officials said, so most of the videodiscs the library has acquired have been aired on local public broadcasting stations.The discs may be viewed as regular DVDs but contain closed captioning for the hearing impaired and have added narration for those with sight handicaps.Titles added include “Dogs and More Dogs,” “America’s Stone Age Explorers,” “Anna Karenina” and “Good-bye Mr. Chips.” They may be borrowed for three weeks.

To access the titles in the Rosenberg Library online catalog, choose subject keyword and search “descriptive videos.”The library also acquired a Merlin Plus Color CCTV, a full-color, auto-focus, desktop video magnifier.The device is designed to help people with low vision to read, write, view photos and enjoy crafts.The vision enhancer is on the second floor of the library. Information is available at the reference desk.