Deutsches Zentrum für barrierefreies Lesen

Can words truly be touched? At the Deutsches Zentrum für barrierefreies Lesen (dzb lesen), they can. This isn’t just a library. It’s a place where literature transcends the visual. The Deutsches Zentrum für barrierefreies Lesen is a testament to the power of accessibility. It ensures that stories are available to everyone, regardless of their ability to see. Founded in 1894 as the Verein zur Beschaffung von Hochdruckschriften für Blinde zu Leipzig, it was Germany’s first public library for the blind. Today, the dzb lesen continues this legacy. It offers a vast collection of over 100,000 media. This includes Braille books, audiobooks, large-print books, and tactile children’s books. The dzb lesen is also a production hub. Here, skilled professionals transform traditional texts into accessible formats. Approximately 200 titles are produced in Braille each year. The process is meticulous. Texts are translated using specialized software, proofread, then embossed onto paper or durable matrices. The dzb lesen’s in-house studio is where the magic of audiobooks comes to life. Trained speakers, often actors and broadcasters, record books and articles. Around 800 productions, including 200 audiobooks and periodicals, are created annually. Even images find a voice here. The dzb lesen crafts tactile reliefs. These allow visually impaired individuals to experience graphical elements through touch. Skilled artisans select and arrange materials to create textured matrices. These matrices are then used to produce transparent reliefs with vibrant underlying prints. Often, these are combined with Braille and large print, particularly in children’s books, atlases, and calendars. The dzb lesen’s dedication extends beyond its walls. It offers a nationwide and international free postal lending service. Users can borrow materials and return them through any post office. Digital resources are also available for download through the dzb lesen app and Alexa Skill. The dzb lesen even has a shop. Over 5,000 titles are available for purchase, from Braille books and audiobooks to periodicals and tactile products. The dzb lesen’s impact is far-reaching. It collaborates with institutions, museums, and associations to create accessible information. It partners with the Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels to promote awareness of accessibility within the publishing industry. The Deutsches Zentrum für barrierefreies Lesen truly embodies the spirit of inclusive literature. It is a place where stories come alive, not just on the page, but through every sense.