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Equal Access to Information:
Libraries Serving People With Disabilities
Contents of this Section
Adaptive
Technology and Assistive Devices
Adaptive technology is computer software
and hardware that has been modified to be accessible
by people with disabilities or equipment created as
compensatory tools for people with disabilities. This
technology offers people with disabilities the opportunity
to use computers to complete tasks that were previously
not possible for them, including greater independence
in accessing the Internet, resource databases, online
catalogs, reference materials, books, newspapers and
other library resources.
The following is a list of adaptive
technology and assistive devices:
- Reading machine
which scans and reads aloud printed information (books,
newspapers, magazines). Reading Edge, Kurzweil 1000
or equivalent machine. (The Kurzweil 3000 is specifically
geared to people with learning disabilities.)
- Web browser page
screen reading software with voice synthesizer
that provides auditory access to web pages, online
books, journal articles, full-text documents, etc..
pwWebSpeak, Home Page Reader or equivalent software.
- Screen reader
software for Windows, Word, Internet Explorer
applications. JAWS for Windows, ScreenPower for Windows
or equivalent software
- Screen magnification
programs that enlarges the normal-sized text display
of business application programs. SuperVista or equivalent
software
- Screen magnification
systems which integrate hardware and software
by converting printed text into a file that the software
can enhance. Zoom Text or equivalent system.
- Closed-circuit
television system (CCTV) that enlarges printed
text or pictures up to 60 times and displays the output
on a video monitor or television screen. Aladdin or
equivalent system.
- Speech recognition
software that converts the spoken word into text.
Dragon Dictate Professional or equivalent software.
- Large computer
monitors -- 19 to 25 inches
- Assistive Listening
Devices (ALDs) which are installed (FM system)
in a meeting room or can be used in any meeting room
(audio induction or loop system) and act as personal
amplifiers that enhance volume and tone for people
who are hard-of-hearing. Easy Listener Sound Field
FM System or equivalent device.
- Telecommunications
Device for the Deaf (TTY/TDD). Teletypwriter or
text telephone that allows persons who are deaf or
hard-of-hearing to send messages via the telephone.
- Closed caption
decoder for the library or that can be loaned
to patrons to decode closed caption television programs.
- Assistive devices:
trackball, ear phones, standard keyboard with extra
large keys, touch sensitive membrane keyboard, telephone
amplifiers, amplifier speaker units (allows staff
to talk patrons who are hard-of-hearing using a microphone
and hand-held amplifier).
- Adjustable table
and chair for computer workstation
The library needs to
have materials on how to use the library's adaptive
technology available in alternate formats. These materials
should include simple, step-by-step instructions on
how to use the important features of the technology
thereby allowing people with disabilities to be as independent
as possible.
Internet
Increases Access to Information
The Internet opens up a world of information
where people with disabilities are on an equal footing
with every one else. A researcher who is blind or who
can not hold a book to look up information can now can
use an adapted computer to access an electronic database
and conduct research independently. It also provides
a means for convenient and private conversation. A deaf
person using e-mail or "chat" may communicate with a
hearing friend rather than using the phone and relay
system. A blind person can have documents and letters
send to him/her via e-mail which can be read by an adapted
computer.
Library patrons who have adaptive workstations
in their homes or offices can use dial-in interfaces
for Internet access and access to other online database
subscriptions purchased by the library. This makes searching,
printing and downloading files much more efficient.
Information from downloaded files can then be translated
by the patron's computer into spoken word or Braille
formats.
Barriers to
Use of the Internet and Adaptive Technology
Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs),
in which information is accessed by using a mouse to
click on graphic icons, present problems for some people
with physical disabilities and for those people who
are blind or have low vision who rely on screen readers
which respond to text and not to graphics.
A solution to this problem is to offer
access to the library's online public access catalog
and electronic resources through both a text and a graphic
interface terminal.
Multimedia web sites present
challenges to Internet users with disabilities. Traditional
gophers and other text-based sites present few problems
to patrons accustomed to using screen readers or other
adaptive aids. The special power of the Web is its ability
to transmit pictures and sounds and to display text
with specialized formats. These presentations can cause
the following types of problems for individuals with
disabilities:
- When the design of
a screen displayed on a computer display is decorative,
complicated, contains frames, etc. it can be disturbing
for persons with visual processing disorders and difficult
for screen readers to interpret.
- More graphically
oriented web browsers, like other graphics-based software,
may require the use of the mouse to navigate the Web.
People with motor and visual impairments may find
this impossible to do.
- The use of sound
to convey content may leave people who are hard-of-hearing
or deaf with no way to access this information.
- The use of pictures
to convey information may create a barrier for persons
who are blind or have low vision.
Another computer access
problem is illustrated by the following comment from
an older, legally blind library user which indicates
that some people with less obvious disabilities do not
want to self-identify. The man said: "There is a great
reluctance to use computers ... I tend to keep myself
away from situations that make it clearly obvious that
I couldn't see."
Design
of Accessible Web Pages
- Maintain a simple,
consistent page layout through the site - A consistent
design and look makes it easier for users to navigate
through the hypertext to find information.
- Keep backgrounds
simple. Make sure there is enough contrast between
the text and background color of the page - Many background
images and colors obscure text and make reading difficult.
- Design large buttons
- Small buttons marking links can be a difficult target
for people with mobility impairments.
- Include short,
descriptive ALT attributes for all graphical features
- ALT attributes work with HTML image tags to give
alternative text information for graphical features
that can be read by a web browser screen reader software.
- Include menu alternatives
for image maps to insure that embedded links are
accessible - An image map is a picture which can be
clicked to find a link to another page. Web browsers
with screen reader software can not read image maps.
Users who can not see the web page have a menu alternative
to the image.
- Include descriptive
captions for pictures - If a graphic provides
information add captions and transcriptions for persons
who can not see the page.
- Caption videos
and transcribe audio segments - Provide captioning
of videos and transcriptions of audio segments so
that users who have visually or hearing impairments
have an alternative method of accessing this information.
- Use tables and
frames sparingly and consider alternatives - Most
screen reader programs read from left to right and
jumble the meaning of information in tables. Frames
also present logistical problems to text based screen
reading programs.
- Use an accessibility
validation web site which performs a diagnostic
of the library's web pages and points out parts that
could be accessible. Bobby,
created at the Center for Applied Special Technology,
is an HTML validator web site which also evaluates
accessibility.
Examples
of Library Services for People with Disabilities
Adaptive Technology Workplace
A work place designed for people with
disabilities which provides: a computer that converts
printed text to synthetic speech; a speech synthesizers
to read computer screen; a talking word processing program
(BEX) that enables a blind person to edit the text and
translate computer code into braille; and one-on-one
training to use adaptive technology which is provided
by library staff and by several volunteers who are blind.
Service Center for People with Disabilities
A Service Center which contains materials,
adaptive technology and assistive devices for people
with disabilities and provides direct service to them.
The Center targets services for: 1) people who are blind
and visually disabled, speech and hearing impaired,
learning disabled; 2) their families; and 3) staff from
the organizations that serve them.
Information and Referral Service
- develop a collection
of resource materials and a referral file or database
for national, state and local organizations providing
services for people with disabilities
- receive newsletters
from advocacy groups, government and nonprofit agencies
- collect and distribute
giveaway brochures from advocacy groups and agencies
- post announcements
of meetings and workshops
- maintain a collection
of catalogs of adaptive technology and assistive devices
Job Information Center
The Center provides
people with disabilities with information on support
services and on employment and educational opportunities.
Materials include: employment job bulletins; catalogs
from colleges with supportive programs for students
with disabilities; and a vertical file with materials
on education, employment and support agencies for disabled
persons. The Center also has brochures, newsletters
and books on careers, education, job hunting, disability
employment issues, skills, small businesses, literacy
and tests.
Collection of Toys
and Books
This collection
may be used by parents who are referred by the schools.
It can contain:
- a collection of toys
for children with disabilities, their parents and
teachers
- recently published
books written for parents of children with disabilities
- fiction about children
with special needs
Collection of Materials
(Including Alternative Formats)
Circulating collection
of materials on such topics as:
- handicapping conditions
which covers treatment as well as educational and
social aspects
- biographies and autobiographies
about people with disabilities
- books about and for
children with disabilities
- deaf history and
culture
- selecting toys for
deaf children presented in American Sign Language
- assistance for parents
to meet the demands of having a child with disabilities
- interviews with successful
people who are disabled
Bibliographies, guides
to the library and brochures should also be available
in alternate formats. Audiotapes of these library publications
can be made on a standard tape recorder. Large print
versions of computer generated materials can be made
by increasing the type size. The text may also be downloaded
on a floppy disk for those patrons that prefer to have
electronic versions.
Collection of Assistive
Devices
Maintain a collection
of assistive devices for people who are visually impaired
which includes of magnifiers and aids to make reading,
writing, card playing and telephoning easier, etc.;
and lend these devices to people to try out. In conjunction
with the devices, maintain a collection of catalogs
from companies that sell assistive devices and adaptive
technology.
Examples
of Library Programs for People with Disabilities
- Develop programs
that teach the use of the library, adaptive technology,
online databases and the Internet which are specifically
designed for persons with vision, hearing or learning
disabilities. If applicable, provide the services
of a sign language Interpreter for persons who are
deaf.
- Coordinate tutoring
sessions at the library which link volunteers
with persons with disabilities to provide training
in: 1) use of adaptive technology; 2) use of Windows
based synthetic speech screen reading programs for
business applications and searching the Internet;
and 3) use of e-mail. If applicable, provide the services
of a sign language Interpreter for persons who are
deaf.
- Develop a cooperative
program with community and campus organizations,
agencies, etc. that serve people with either vision,
hearing or learning disabilities.
- Celebrate Deaf
Awareness Week by: showing open captioned videos;
demonstrating assistive devices (flashing light alarm
clocks, a light signal doorbell and devices to warn
parents when a baby is crying, etc.); teaching mini
classes in sign language; presenting programs on deaf
history and culture, etc.
- Sponsor a "Come
Play With Us: Toys for Children With Special Needs"
workshop presented in cooperation with a state
Division of Developmental Disabilities
- Present a workshop
on parenting skills for parents of children with
disabilities
- Present programs
for non-disabled parents of children with vision,
hearing or learning disabilities and develop a collection
of resource materials and a referral file or database
for national, state and local organizations providing
services for persons with disabilities.
- Present a program
on adaptive telecommunications equipment, in cooperation
with a local telephone company, which demonstrates
how people with hearing, speech, vision or motor impairments
can overcome problems in using a telephone.
- Coordinate basic
reading and writing skills classes for adults
who are deaf or have other disabilities.
- Develop a collection
of tutoring materials, accessed by adaptive technology,
for adults with vision, hearing and learning disabilities
to improve their basic reading and writing skills.
- Present a program
on living skills for people with disabilities.
- Offer beginning
and intermediate courses in sign language which
are free to library staff and people in the community.
Courses may be taught by an Interpreter or by a volunteer;
and the library lends the textbooks to students.
- Sponsor a performance
by the Little Theatre of the Deaf to be held at
the library.
- Coordinate a talking
book discussion group run by volunteers who lead
the discussion.
- Coordinate the
showing of captioned films for a monthly program
of a local organization serving people who are deaf
and/or hard-of-hearing.
- Equip a meeting
room with assistive listening devices (ALDs) which
are personal amplifiers that enhance volume and tone
for hard-of-hearing people and invite community groups
to use the facilities. Offer groups using the ALD
equipped meeting room an orientation on the types
of resources and services that the library can offer
to persons who are hard-of-hearing.
- Present programs
featuring educational or entertainment open captioned
videos for persons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing
and develop or expand a collection of circulating
open captioned videos.
- Present programs
featuring instructional, educational and entertainment
American Sign Language (ASL) videos for persons
who are deaf and develop a collection of circulating
ASL videos and CD-ROMs.
- Present programs
featuring educational or entertainment audio described
videos which describe the action taking place
for persons with low vision or who are blind and develop
a collection of circulating audio described videos.
- Sponsor a Technology
Awareness Workshop presented by a salesperson
from a company that sells adaptive technology and
invite blind consumers, resource teachers of visually
handicapped, rehabilitation counsels and employers
to attend.
- Organize a vendors'
fair at which company representatives show the
latest modified and adaptive equipment, software and
devices for helping people with disabilities in academic
and vocation programs. Invite special education and
vocational education teachers and administrators,
parents and the community to attend the fair.
- Arrange for library
programs to be interpreted for deaf patrons when
this service is requested.
- Circulate kits
for parents and deaf children that contain books,
toys, a manual of suggestions for using the contents
and a list or organizations to contract for further
information.
Promotion
of the Library's Service to People with Disabilities
- Develop a brochure
describing the library's services for people with
disabilities and mail it to agencies that serve this
population.
- Develop individual
brochures for people who are deaf, blind, have low
vision, have learning disabilities, etc. Include in
the brochure a list of library materials, programs,
services, adaptive technology and any electronic full-text
information that is available on the library's web
site.
- Develop
bibliographies on the following topics:
- books on disabilities
- titles of magazines
and newsletters focusing on disabilities
- books on toys
and play for children with special needs
- employment opportunities
for persons with disabilities
- biographies and
autobiographies about people with disabilities
- Develop a display
which highlights library services for people with
disabilities.
- Visit parent groups,
sign language classes, clubs, local government and
community service agencies, etc.
- Participate in open
houses and resource fairs organized by other agencies.
- Staff members should
be available who can help readers with vision or with
physical handicaps that make reading difficult to
sign up for the New Jersey Library for the Blind and
Handicapped talking book service.
Continue
to Resources Section
Last updated: October
31, 1999.
Comments to: Webmaster@njstatelib.org
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