Tiny Words on Thin Pages

A Demonstration and Short-Term Loan Story

Mark served his community for years through his work as a substance abuse counselor, care worker for a residential facility, and mission work in a prison and drug rehabilitation center. His whole life he had been an avid reader of the bible. After losing a leg to diabetes as well as some of his vision, Mark began adapting to a new way of living. However, he was concerned he might not be able do to do all the things he used to do well anymore.

When Mark and his wife were referred to the Superior Alliance for Independent Living (SAIL)* in March 2018, assistive technology (AT) was completely new to them. Mark’s wife initially called for information on services available for them when they were referred to the accessibility specialist to learn about AT.

Mark identified reading as a new area of difficulty for him. He stated prior to his vision loss, he read the bible regularly and would like to continue to do so. SAIL staff member Emily demonstrated the Max Detail Viewing Glasses and the Talking Book Player, which Mark took a liking to both and thought they were “pretty cool.”

Mark brought out his bible, which had tiny print on thin pages. He put on the Max Detail Viewing Glasses and began to read aloud slowly, but with complete accuracy. He was not sure how long he could read this way but was smiling because the tiny words on thin pages were no longer so difficult.

Mark was still interested in the Talking Book Player, so he and Emily completed the application for the National Library Service. Aside from the bible, Mark was excited to learn about his options for talking books, and expressed interest in westerns and history. Mark took out the viewing glass on a short-term loan to compare the two devices. 

When the talking book player came in the mail, Mark stated he was able to operate it on his own and stopped using the glasses because he preferred listening to the tapes in his free time. His wife stated that it was good for Mark to find something to keep him busy when he is home by himself.

As small of a change it was, it has given Mark independence in a big way by giving him the chance to return to a sense of normality in his daily life.

*SAIL works with Michigan Assistive Technology Program (MATP) to provide AT services across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. More information about Demonstration and Short-Term Loan Services.