Diyarbakır (Amed) Metropolitan Municipality has opened a new central service by expanding its previously established audio library services, making access to information more comprehensive and of higher quality for visually impaired citizens. The Audio Library stands out with a wide range of facilities, from Braille materials to talking computers.
One of the most notable aspects of the Audio Library Project, implemented by the Department of Services for Persons with Disabilities and the Elderly within the Amida Public Library located in the Stad Millet Garden in the Yenişehir district, is its focus on visually impaired citizens and the concrete needs they encounter in daily life. Within this scope, users are provided with audio access to written texts, opportunities for Braille reading and writing, and the production of embossed materials. The library also offers assistive technologies such as screen magnification and contrast adjustment for individuals with low vision. Coordination of the library is undertaken by an experienced visually impaired staff member.
Multilingual services will be provided
Emin Baran, Head of the Disability Services Unit, told Mezopotamya Agency (MA) that the newly established facility is a result of egalitarian policies. He noted that visually impaired citizens can access information independently and on an equal basis thanks to Braille documents, an audio library system, and a strong infrastructure. Baran told MA: “We do not see such initiatives as privileges or favors, but as public responsibility. This unit includes technologies that can be used by both totally blind and partially sighted individuals.” Baran also added that the library will provide multilingual services with content available in Turkish and Kurdish.
Abdülmecit Yılmaz, Coordinator of the Audio Library, also provided information to MA about the project. He said: “We offer our users a wide range of support with equipment such as talking computers, audio screen readers, MP3 devices, document scanning systems, Braille printers, and Braille displays. Friends who do not have access to a computer at home will be able to work comfortably here, browse the internet freely, and continue their education.”
It makes our lives easier
Songül Uçu, a university student benefiting from the library, said: “Our lives are already difficult under normal circumstances. Libraries like this are very important for us. You bring a regular book, and it reads it to you. The fact that computers speak and pronounce the letters you press is a tremendous advantage. At university, we are required to prepare presentations, so we have to use computers effectively. All the computers here are equipped with speech features, and this makes our lives at least somewhat easier, especially during the reading process.”
We have gained opportunities we could never have imagined
Seventy-six-year-old Isa Deniz recalled the hardships of the past and said: “These developments feel almost like a work of fiction to me. We experienced great difficulties in the past and could not even imagine such opportunities. The point we have reached today is truly valuable. I call on all visually impaired individuals to embrace and support this library. This was our dream.”
It ensures equal opportunities
University student Pelşin Çelebi drew attention to the challenges she faced during her education and said: “Educational opportunities for visually impaired individuals in Turkey are particularly limited during the high school period. If such a library had existed at that time, I could have studied much more comfortably. Being able to access these materials now is wonderful. I believe that I will be able to continue my university education more effectively.”
Application and service hours
Citizens who wish to benefit from the audio library service can apply by submitting a disability report and a photocopy of their identification. The center provides services on weekdays between 08:00 and 17:00.
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