Kim Charlson on accessibility, leadership, Braille, and the future of independent access Kim Charlson, executive director of the Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library, joins Eyes and Lows to trace how a career in accessible library services became a lifelong mission in advocacy, leadership, and innovation. She reflects on how technology, Braille, and policy have reshaped what independence can look like for blind, low-vision, deafblind, and print-disabled people.We discuss how access to information is about far more than reading books—it affects employment, education, community participation, and human rights. Kim also shares concrete examples of new tools and programs changing everyday life, from refreshable Braille and the Braille Bloom to library lending models and international book sharing .Key topics Kim explains how an early interest in advocacy led her from the Oregon State Library to a master’s degree in library science and eventually to Perkins.She describes how library automation, computers, email, and modern assistive tech made library work more accessible over time.Kim shares what it meant to become one of the first totally blind people in the United States to earn a master’s in library science.She talks about building a leadership path through volunteer work, state and national blindness organizations, and learning to lead by collaborating rather than barging in.The conversation explores how independence changed for her over time, especially when she moved from Oregon to Massachusetts and had to rebuild her routines and support system.Kim emphasizes that Braille and audio are complementary tools, not replacements for one another, and explains why Braille remains essential for literacy, accuracy, and daily living.She highlights the role of National Library Service programs in providing free access to audiobooks, Braille, and refreshable Braille devices for eligible users.Kim introduces the Braille Bloom, an attachment that turns a Perkins Brailler into a Bluetooth keyboard for writing, email, forms, and classroom use.She outlines Perkins’ “library of things,” including assistive tech demos, kitchen tools, tactile models, and 3D-printed educational objects.Kim reflects on the Marrakesh Treaty as one of her biggest professional highs because it lets countries share accessible books and avoid duplicating production efforts.About Kim Charlson Executive director of the Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library,Holds a master’s degree in library science.Blind library professional and longtime advocate for accessible information.Has spent more than four decades working in accessible library services.Helped advance the Marrakesh Treaty, which supports international sharing of accessible booksAdvocates for access to Braille, audiobooks, and assistive technologyVocal Point (Home of the Georgia Radio Reading Service) is a 501c3 organization that exists to improve the quality of life for people who are blind, visually impaired, or have difficulty with the printed word. Learn more at Vocal Point at Seevp.org To support our podcast and programs, donate here: https://connect.clickandpledge.com/Organization/seevp/CreditsHost: Brittany McLemoreRecording and Engineering: Patrick Roy
