Apply for Talking Book and Braille Service
Who Qualifies for Talking Book and Braille Service?
Patrons of our service include people with retinopathy of prematurity, macular degeneration, or cataracts. Our patrons also include those who are
recovering from strokes, or who have cerebal palsy or multiple sclerosis. Those who have reading disabilites, such as dyslexia, also qualify for and benefit
from our service.
Who Can Sign an Application?
Applications must be certified by a professional who can verify the applicant's eligibility. Professionals qualified to act as a certifying authority include,
but are not limited to: doctors, nurses, professional staff of hospitals and other medical institutions, social workers, educators, vocational rehabilitation
teachers, and librarians.
You can click here for the full eligibility standards and certifying authority guidelines.
All applications should be sent to the Nebraska Talking Book and Braille Service. You can email a copy of your application to
nlc.talkingbook@nebraska.gov, fax your application to 402-471-6244, or mail your application to:
Talking Book and Braille Service
1200 N St, Ste 120
Lincoln, NE 68508-2023
If you would prefer to receive a paper copy of any of the applications on this webpage, please contact us and we will send you an
application form via the U.S. Postal Service. Please make sure to include your name and a
postal address in email or voicemail requests.
Individual Application
For individuals living in their own homes, with family members, or in assisted living centers, and for students who want to borrow
materials at home.
If the applicant is under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian must complete and sign the Parental Acknowledgment for NLS Services and Devices section of the Individual Application.
Institution Application
Institutions—including assisted living communities, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities—may borrow equipment and reading materials for eligible readers
to use individually or in a group setting. If an individual resident prefers to receive service directly (in their own name),
they should submit an Individual Application.
Demo Account Application
Any institution is welcome to register for a demo account, in order to demonstrate TBBS equipment and materials to eligible individuals. As part of a demo account,
an institution can be loaned one talking book machine, and also can register for a limited BARD account. Public libraries are only allowed to register for a demo account.
School Application and Annual Forms
For schools or school systems interested in receiving service for use in the classroom for students who are eligible for
talking books. Students are only allowed to use talking book machines on school grounds, and are only allowed to install the BARD app/download books on school devices.
If a student would like to take materials home, an Individual Application with a parent/guardian signature is required.
- School Application Form (Fillable and Printable PDF)
When applying, and at the beginning of each school year, please send in an Annual Student Enrollment Form
with the names and eligibility reasons of students receiving service in your classroom.
- Annual Student Enrollment Form (Fillable and Printable PDF)
All schools must have a legally authorized representative complete and sign the Institutional Acknowledgment for
NLS Services and Devices section of the School Application in order to begin service, and at the begining of each school year.