Talking Times, Summer 2020 - Section 1

Coronavirus - COVID19

The RI Department of Health (RIDOH) wants all residents to have up to date information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Being an informed citizenry, will help keep us all safe. Early data suggest that older adults are twice as likely to experience serious COVID-19 illness. RIDOH is reiterating CDC's guidance for people older than 60 years of age: avoid close contact with people who are sick and be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home. Pay attention for potential COVID-19 symptoms including, fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you feel like you are developing symptoms, call your doctor. More information is available from Centers for Disease Control Prevention.

Talking Books Library Response to the Coronavirus

The Talking Books Library (TBL) staff began working from home in mid-March per Governor Gina Raimondo's executive order to slow the curve of the virus through teleworking and physical distancing. To that end, the TBL staff have taken up their computers and other electronic devices to create a work space from home, so that we can continue to provide our members with materials. Perkins School for the Blind was also ordered to close on March 24th, but has re-opened as of June 1st. Materials and equipment can be returned and shipped out to our members. The Talking Books Library and its members were fortunate to have the assistance of the Multi-State Center West in Utah to provide materials to our members while Perkins was closed. At the time of this writing, there is no way for us to know exactly how things will progress over the coming months, but please rest assured knowing that the Talking Books Library will continue to provide services and materials to members. We check voicemail and emails daily, and will answer your calls to 401-574-9310 as well as emails to talking.books@olis.ri.gov. If you have access to a computer or the internet, you will find updates about the talking book service. We thank you for your patience, and are hopeful that all things will return to normal soon. Please take care and stay safe.

Census 2020

Starting in mid-March, letters were sent out to households around the country inviting them to respond to the 2020 Census. If you have not already responded, it's not too late as the Census has been extended through October 2020. You can respond to the Census online or by regular mail or phone. If you haven't responded yet, and do not live in group quarters such as a nursing home or assisted living, you may receive a visit from a Census worker to gather your information, starting in August. Why should you respond? Well, Census results play a large part in determining how governments at all levels allocate hundreds of billions of dollars for services that communities rely on. But some groups of people, including those who are blind or disabled, historically have been undercounted. Currently $3.8 billion comes into RI for infrastructure, programs and services based on the 2010 Census. We at the RI Talking Books Library want to make sure all our patrons are counted - don't miss this chance to help shape RI and our future! If you have questions about the Census, we're here to help. Contact us via email at talking.books@olis.ri.gov or call us at (401)574-9310.

Accessible Voting Act 2020

The Accessible Voting Act was introduced by Senators Bob Casey (Ranking Member - U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging) and Amy Klobuchar (Ranking Member - U.S. Senate Committee on Rules & Administration) January 2020. Only 17 percent of polling places were fully accessible in 2016. To obtain information on voting assistance, registration deadlines and the voting process, visit Vote411. Learn more about the Accessible Voting Act and make sure your vote is counted in this election.