Large Print Books, Magazines, and Newspapers

There are many sources of large print materials for readers who have low vision. See Large Print, Audio, and Braille [1] on this web site for information about a variety of publications in alternative media.

Large Print Magazines

Large print magazines often require a yearly subscription fee. Print size is usually 18 point font. If you need larger print, you may want to consider listening to magazines on audiocassette or CD. For more information, see Cassettes, CDs, and iPods [2] on this web site. 

Two useful resources for large print magazine information are: 

• The Blind Readers' Page [3], which provides an extensive list of large print books and magazines
• Large Print Magazines at Amazon  [4]

Keeping Track of Appointments

A variety of large print calendars are available commercially from the following resources:

• The Giant Print Calendar from Independent Living Aids.  [5]
• The CAN-DO Wall or Desk Calendar from Independent Living Aids  [6]
• The Extra Large Planning Calendar [7] from LS&S Products

Make Your Own Large Print Binder

You can make your own custom-designed three-ring binder, using plain paper and dividers. As you write each new page, place it in the notebook in date order. You can designate the first section of the notebook for "This Week's Appointments" only, for example. 

Alternatives for Reading

There are several alternatives to large print for reading:

Audiocassettes and CDs

• You can listen to books, newspapers and magazines, either on audiocassette or CD. The primary source for audio literature is the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped [8]. There are branches in all 50 states and all services are free. You can arrange to receive these materials through your local library.
• You can purchase audio books at most bookstores and online. Online books can be downloaded to an iPod for listening. See Find Books: Large Print, Audio, and Braille [1] on this web site.
• You can create audiocassette tapes that contain information for your personal and home records. For example, one tape can contain names and telephone numbers, and another tape can contain your checking account records. See Cassettes, CDs, and iPods [2] on this web site.

Computers and Software

• If you are a computer user, accessibility software can enlarge print up to 16 times.
• Other software will speak aloud and read the words on the screen to you. You can control the speed and volume of the voice, as well make the voice repeat the most recent word, line, or paragraph.
• See Computers and Technology [9] on this web site for more information about adaptive and assistive technology for people who are blind or have low vision. Also see Digital Talking Book Players [10] in the Products/Assistive Technology section of this web site.

Other Resources for Large Print Materials

The following resources can help you get started in learning more about braille:

• Find Labeling Products and Supplies [11] on this web site.
• Find Sources of Products for Independent Living [12] on this web site.
• Find Religious Products [13] on this web site.
• Go to Reading with Low Vision Optical Devices [14] on this web site.
• Go to Signing Your Name and Handwriting [15] on this web site.
• You can also contact your state or local vision rehabilitation agency [16] and learn more about reading, writing, and large print options.