New Jersey State Library

• Adaptive Technology
• Equal Access to Information Publication
• Selected Print and Web Resources
• American Sign Language Video Collections
• Referral of People to Library for the Blind and Handicapped for Service
• American Sign Language Videos Available from LBH
• Services for NJ College Students with Disabilities
• I & R for Agencies Serving People with Disabilities

Adaptive technology is computer software and hardware that has been modified to be accessible by people with disabilities. It offers people the opportunity to use computers to complete tasks that were previously not possible for them.

To insure that people with disabilities can make effective use of library resources and related adaptive technology, library staff must receive training in the use of the equipment and on service issues involving patrons with disabilities. Libraries need to provide services and training in the use of the library and its resources that specifically meet the needs of people with disabilities.

Equal Access to Information: Libraries Serving People With Disabilities provides an overview of the major topics that public and academic librarians need to be familiar with in order to provide services for people who are blind, have low vision, are deaf, hard-of-hearing or having learning disabilities.

Selected Print and Web Resources for Providing Library Services for People with Disabilities

• Print Resources
• Web Resources
• Adaptive Technology Hardware and Software
• Blind and Low Vision
• Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing
• Learning Disabilities
• Library Services for People with Disabilities
• Sensitivity Training
• Volunteers

American Sign Language Video Collections: See their web site for more information about ASL Access, a non-profit organization which places American Sign Language video collections in libraries. Their collection of over 200 videos includes many ASL lessons, translations of classic literature and children's stories, original ASL poetry, drama, stories and humor, biographies, history, interpreting demonstrations, and videos on health and parenting.

Referral of People to the New Jersey Library for the Blind and Handicapped (LBH) for Service
The New Jersey Library for the Blind and Handicapped provides books on tape, on record, in large print and in Braille to the print handicapped. The print handicapped are those individuals who are unable to use conventional print because of a visual impairment, a physical disability or a reading disability.

Public, academic and school librarians may refer eligible patrons to LBH for service by:

1. printing the application for service form
2. signing the application to certify that the person has a visual impairment or a physical disability (only a physician, psychiatrist or osteopath can certify that a person has a reading disability); and
3. instructing the patron to complete the application and mail it to LBH

American Sign Language Videos Available from LBH
New Jersey libraries can request a catalog listing American Sign Language Videos which can be borrowed on interlibrary loan directly from the Library for the Blind and Handicapped. For further information call (609) 530-4000 or e-mail njlbh@njstatelib.org

Services for New Jersey College Students With Disabilities
The mission of the Adaptive Technology Center for New Jersey Colleges is to increase the opportunities for college students who have disabilities to meet the academic demands of college through access to appropriate technology tools. Funded by the Commission on Higher Education, the Center provides the following services: information on adaptive technology, an adaptive technology lending program, outreach and training. The center is located at The College of New Jersey.

Information & Referral for Agencies Serving People with Disabilities

The New Jersey Office on Disabilities Services promotes and facilitates the maximum independence and participation of people with disabilities in community life through information and access to services and supports, and fosters coordination and cooperation among government agencies. The Office maintains a comprehensive information and referral system through a toll-free telephone number 1-888-285-3036.

Alliance of Information & Referral Services of New Jersey, Inc.
Links to New Jersey information and referral organizations serving people with disabilities located in Atlantic, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Somerset and Union counties.

New Jersey Self-Help Clearinghouse, The Self-Help Group Directory, 1998.
Annual directory of national associations and New Jersey self help groups, arranged by county, with listings for the following disabilities: blind, visually impaired, deaf, hearing impaired, learning disabilities, etc. Published by the Northwest Covenant Medical Center, 1-800-367-6274.