This is the first post for the Vision Rehab Technology Blog. A recent project includes setting-up the Victor Reader Stream to download National Library Service files.
To get started, you’ll need to be a subscriber to the National Library Service Talking Books Program. Download the NLS Talking book Application. This is a free service to individuals with vision loss or a reading disability. In Maine, if you have questions about your eligibility, or the Talking Books Program, contact the Maine State Library Service. Maine residents can download the NLS application directly from the Maine State Library Web site, or call them at (207) 287-5650.
It may take several business days to process your application for Talking Books, so now is the time to shop for your Victor Reader Stream if you haven’t alreadt done so. If you live in Maine, just pick up the phone and call the Iris Network at (207) 774-6273. If you live outside Maine, you may also contact Adaptive Technology, A Division of Perkins to place an order online. The Victor Reader Stream will cost $349 plus shipping from both locations. PLEASE NOTE: regardless who you order from, you will need to purchase an SD flash memory card before using the Victor Reader. If you plan to download a great number of books from NLS, these audio files take memory space, so purchase the largest capacity SD card you can afford. For more information on the SD card specifications, see the Victor Reader Stream documentationat Humanware.
With an approved Talking Books application on file with the NLS, and a Victor Reader Stream in hand, the next step is to apply for the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) service. When this application is approved, you will receive an email from BARD with your login information. NLS will also notify Humanware of your desire to use the Victor Reader Stream to access NLS BARD downloads. Humanware will send detailed instructions on how to receive an access code for your Victor. Follow these instructions carefully, which ultimately direct you to a form on the Humanware Web site. Humanware will prepare an authorization file and send this to you as an attachment on an instructional email. This file will be saved to the SD card on the Victor Reader Stream. This may sound a bit daunting, but the directions in both emails from Humanware are quite good.
Connect the Victor Reader to your computer, and turn it on, OR install the SD card in your computer. Save the email attachment from Humanware to the root directory of the SD card–this just means, copy it directly to the card, don’t put it in any of the folders. Turn the Victor Reader Stream off and disconnect it from your computer. When you turn it back on, it will take care of the authorization file itself in a few seconds.
Now, it is time to login to the Bard site to download a book or magazine. If you haven’t already done so, make a folder on your computer for downloaded books, and put the books in this directory. When downloading your books, you are prompted by your computer to save the file, or open it. Save the file to the directory you made for your books. The directions you receive from Humanware and this writer will both suggest using the Stream Companion software that came with the Victor Reader to transfer the book files to the Victor Reader.
For additional detailed instructions on how this is done, you might try the instructions at the BARD Web site; or the Victor Reader Stream Support page. Once you have the Victor Reader Stream set-up to read the NLS downloadable audio books, you will be delighted at the convenience of being able to go to the BARD Web site, select a book or magazine, download it and be listening to your selection in less time than it took to read this article. Steve Kelley