I'm really excited about this and hope others can benefit. We have a new device that actually works for my LO who can't handle most mechanical items (tv control, radio etc.). It's a talking book digital machine from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, and it's free. I can download books, magazines, and radio podcasts to the machine and she can actually press the big, green button that starts/stops the machine. It's designed for the blind so it is ingeniously designed with few controls and big, differently-shaped buttons that describe their functions verbally every time they are pushed. My LO can't read anymore and her attention span is about 15 minutes, but she can start and stop this machine or leave it running with no problems. It's built sturdily so she can't break it, too. This is wonderful and she qualifies because although she can see (with problems) she has the handicaps of LB.

Apparently, the National Library (Library of Congress) has branches in a lot of States and they manage this program to serve blind/physically handicapped. If you call the toll-free number you can find out the closest location to you. Here's a description from their website:
Talking Books is a free library service available to U.S. residents and citizens living abroad whose low vision, blindness, or physical handicap makes it difficult to read a standard printed page. Local cooperating libraries throughout the United States mail NLS audiobooks, magazines, and audio equipment directly to enrollees at no cost. Braille books and magazines are also available to patrons at no cost. If you or someone you know is interested in receiving Talking Books, please submit the following form. To speak to a librarian in your service area during normal business hours, call 1-888-NLS-READ (toll free) and follow the prompts. Your call will be connected to the appropriate library.

Sounds wonderful, Annie! Derek is beyond that now but would have benefited by it earlier on.

Great idea Annie. Glad it is working for you and your mom. Lynn

We used this service for awhile for my dad. One other thing they offer that you didn't mention is that national newspapers are read aloud over the phone. Unfortunately at some point pretty early on, Dad lost the ability to use the controls that were on the phone and on the tape player. So a family member or friend would turn the newspaper or the book on and then turn it off an hour later so that Dad could do something else. I'm not sure he ever got anything out of it but we tried...

No doubt she'll get to that point, too, but right now she can push the big ol' green button. When she can't we'll probably play it for her (assuming it still holds her interest). I feel like this machine has gone back to basics, like with small children: big buttons, different shapes, primary colors, and it talks to her too.

Awesome! Thank you so much for sharing.

Before he had cataract surgery reading tired Coy excessively but he had enough attention span to enjoy audio books, which we purchased used or checked out of the library. Coy is back to reading now, for which we are both immensely grateful.

LBD is so different in each person and this isn't going to be applicable to everyone, but for those who could benefit, it is a great resource to know about. I had no idea it existed. I'll be passing this on in my local support group.

Annie, thank you for a super idea! I am sure many will benefit from this service as the word gets around.
John can still read, but I can see it helping him at some point.
I will definitely keep this in mind as a resource for him in the future.
Take care,
Pat