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and partially sighted people worldwide.
A GOOD READ
Christian literature in accessible media – braille, giant print & audio
The TORCH TRUST vision is that blind and partially sighted people should be able to read what they want to read, when they want to read it and in a media that they prefer. Of course, this is far from always practical, but it's something we strive towards through investment in technology, pursuing best practice in transcription methods and through partnership with authors and publishers.
But there is a great deal we can already do. For example, if you need some literature in an accessible format to enable you to participate in a church activity or a Christian event – such as a course book or song sheet – then do contact TORCH TRUST to see if we can help. We can provide you with a book in braille or large print, or transcribed onto audio disc. If you give us plenty of warning, we can ask publishers for the electronic files which avoids the labour involved in re-creating accurate text.
Books that Torch has already transcribed into accessible formats can be found in our Resource Catalogue (to own) and Library Catalogue (to borrow). Torch also maintains awareness of Christian resources available from other providers so if you are looking for something that's not in our catalogues then please call 01858 438260 or email info@torchtrust.org Torch to enquire. Visit our Bibles page for information about Bibles in accessible media from many providers.
Resources for Churches
Attending church can be a surprisingly challenging experience for the blind and partially sighted. Anyone going into church is usually offered a bundle of printed material – a hymnbook, a Bible, perhaps a prayer book, an order of service, a news sheet and so on. During many services, attention is increasingly directed to images projected on a screen – sometimes words, sometimes images, sometimes video clips. It's all pretty off-putting if you can't see any of it!
TORCH TRUST can help churches provide for the needs of blind and partially sighted people, resourcing them in ways that allow everyone to be included and involved. Click here for a summary listing or enquire at Torch House: telephone +44 (0)1858 438260 or email info@torchtrust.org.
Partnering with Publishers of Christian Books
Torch is committed to developing partnerships with the publishers of Christian books and other resources - with the aim of making more Christian literature accessible to more blind and partially sighted people.
Torch Library
A free postal Christian library service for blind and partially sighted people
—This book came just at the right time for me. 
—I felt as though the author knew all about me and was writing the book just for me.
—Have you got anything on forgiveness? We're studying it at church –- and I desperately need to put it into practice myself.
—I'd be lost without my audio books. It's like a friend coming into the house to read to me.
—At last – a book with print large enough for me to read!
—When I can't sleep, I love to get into one of your Braille books.
These comments are typical of the feedback we receive all the time from our library users.
Libraries are really important for visually impaired people. The Torch Library is the largest collection of Christian books in the English language accessible for those with sight loss – over 2,000 titles covering theological, devotional, missionary, biographical and Christian leisure reading. There are all sorts of interesting books written from a Christian viewpoint; books about people from all walks of life; about important issues which may be affecting us; or studies on Bible books or themes running through the Bible.
Click here to search the Torch Library catalogue to see if the title you want is there, or to find what books from a favourite author are available.
All age groups are included. Children will find plenty of exciting adventures, either to read for themselves or to have read to them. You can choose books yourself, or you can tell us about the authors or subjects that interest you and we will choose suitable titles for you.
We seek to produce as many books as possible in audio (on cassette and DAISY CD), in giant print (24 point bold) and in braille. If you request a specific book which we have in only one format, we'll offer it to you, even if it's not your usual one. For instance, we may have a book about marriage on cassette but not in braille, or some daily meditations might be available in giant print, but not yet on cassette.
Please contact us if you'd like to know more, see a sample of the kinds of books we produce, or join the library. Tell us whether you prefer cassette, DAISY CD, giant print or braille, and let us know if you can use any of the other formats.
IMPORTANT Due to copyright and postal restrictions, these books are only available to registered visually impaired people, or those whose sight is less than N12 as certified by a medical practitioner. A form for certification is available from Torch House.
Other literature from TORCH TRUST in braille, giant print or audio:
- regular publications: magazines, newsletters, daily Bible readings
- free booklets: a range of titles
- Bibles, hymn and song books, books including Alpha course materials, scripture text calendars and tactile greetings cards.
- the Megavoice Audio Bible: a hand-held, solar-powered electronic audio New American Standard Bible (NASB) read by an American reader. Three pairs of buttons allow selection of book, chapter and groups of 5 verses. Proceeds fund Bibles for Africa
- DAISY audio Bible: TNIV (Today's New International Version) on 4 DAISY CDs, read by English actors; navigation by book, chapter, section and verse; includes index. Daisy King James AV also now available - on loan or to buy (£9.99).
CONTACT US to receive regular news updates and information for prayer, to find out how you can volunteer with us, to make donations, to access free literature for a blind or partially sighted person, or to make a link with your local Torch Fellowship Group.
Go to Contact us for details of different ways of being in touch with us.