National Library Service For Blind And Print Disabled US Citizens Abroad

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National Library Service For Blind And Print Disabled US Citizens Abroad

If you are a United States citizen living abroad who has a temporary or permanent visual impairment, low vision, a physical disability that prevents you from holding a book, or another print disability, you may be eligible for a free program from the Library of Congress.

Written exclusively for Expat Network by Donna Koh, Overseas Librarian, National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled

The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS)—which serves U.S. citizens living abroad as well as residents living within the United States —has tens of thousands of books in audio and braille that can be instantly downloaded or mailed to you at no cost. NLS has a mobile app that makes it easy to play books on your personal iOS or Android device, or you can request a free talking-book player when you sign up. NLS’s extensive collection includes titles from bestsellers to classics, dozens of popular magazines in audio and braille, and the world’s largest collection of accessible musical scores and music instruction and appreciation materials.

If an age-related eye condition, decreasing vision or another physical disability is preventing you from enjoying the books and magazines you love, we are here to help you access them in a format that is suitable to your needs. Join half a million NLS patrons who are already benefiting from our free library service.

To learn more and find out how to get started, email the NLS Overseas Librarian at NLSoverseas@loc.gov

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.