In this section you'll find resources related to relaxation, games, culture and recreation for those with visual or other impairments. Items are organized by type of activity.
Tab/Accordion Items
- Arts Access - is a service that makes the arts accessible and enjoyable to all. They provide audio description, consulting and training services. The website serves as an interactive online resource to connect individuals, artists, educators and organizations throughout the state. Here is how to use the service and here is their full performance calendar.
- Captionfish - listing of audio described and closed captioned movies in local theaters. Uses your location to determine movies that are close by.
- Movies for the Blind - offers audio described recordings (MP3) of public domain films and TV shows (like The Andy Griffith Show).
- NC Museum of History Accessibility page - offers a pre-visit guide (PDF), as well as bus schedules and parking, to help you plan your visit.
- Audiogames.net - a list of online games for the visually impaired. Many are freeware.
- Blind and Visually Impaired Game Directory - Top Tech Tidbits blind and visually impaired technology game directory is a top overall list compiled by blind or visually impaired gamers based on their experiences
- Blindfold Games - Blindfold Games creates audio games for visually impaired people for the iPhone, iPad and iPod. Games include casino games like Blackjack and Bingo, card games like Crazy Eights and Rummy, puzzle games like Simon and Color Crush, TV games similar to Wheel of Fortune and Word Ladder, and active games like Bowling, Pong and Pinball.
- Maxi-Aids, Inc - Games - various games and instructional aids.
- Access North Carolina Guidebook - provides travelers with disabilities a full range of information on the accessibility of the state's parks, historic sites, museums, and other destinations. Available in English text-only version and Spanish PDF version.
- Accessibility at State Parks - A listing by North Carolina state park of accessible features at each park.
- Accessible Trails at State Parks - A list of North Carolina state parks with accessible trails and how to access them. Scroll down on page to see Trails section.
- National Center on Accessibility - promotes access and inclusion for people with disabilities in parks, recreation and tourism. Was established through a cooperative agreement between Indiana University and the National Park Service. Over the last two decades, NCA has emerged as a leading authority on access issues unique to park and recreation programs and facilities.
- Ski for Light - An organization for blind or mobility impaired adults who cross-country ski or would like to learn how to ski. Instructor guides assist with skills and techniques while describing the countryside around you.
- Top National Parks for Disabled Visitors
- Trevor Thomas - Trevor Thomas is the world's only blind professional long distance hiker. Throughout his career, he has trekked nearly 20,000 miles on America's most rugged and remote long trails. Read all about his adventures and insight.
- Wheelchair Accessible Trails in NC - From Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a national organization.
- NFB Newsline for the Blind - NFB Newsline is an automated, dial-in newspaper service. Using Newsline, one can listen to more than 150 newspapers being read by a computerized voice. In North Carolina, the Charlotte Observer and the Raleigh News and Observer are provided. To sign up for Newsline, call the library toll free at 1-888-388-2460.
- Radio Reading Services - these are radio stations which have volunteers read local newspaper selections, magazines, stories, recipes, etc. A special receiver is given to RRS patrons to receive the broadcasts. There is no cost for the service, but donations are accepted and appreciated. Here is the list of all North Carolina Radio Reading Services by NCARRS. Raleigh and the Triangle are served by North Carolina Reading Service.
Accessible Podcatcher - a simple way for blind and screen reader users to use podcasts. Listen to them, forward and rewind, save particular items to disk, and export and import lists of podcasts to send to other people.
gPodder - gPodder is an open-source podcast client for Windows 10. With it, you can play audio and video files from RSS, YouTube, and SoundCloud. The built-in gPodder.net service keeps your subscriptions and playback progress in sync.
QCast: Easy accessible podcasts - QCast gives you an accessible and intuitive interface to listen to your favorite podcasts. Try it for free, then it's a paid subscription.