Services and facilities are designed for people with a broad range of abilities and disabilities, not the average user.
Learning disabilities, visual, speech, hearing, and mobility impairments
Legal Issues
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities
“Person with a disability” means “any person who has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities including walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment.”
Access Issues
Wheelchair accessible?
.....Parking
.....Paths/sidewalks
.....Entrances
.....Wide aisles
.....Ramp or elevator
.....Restroom
.....Desks or tables
.....Book return
Telecommunication devices? (TDD/TTY)
Private study rooms?
Hearing protectors or study carrels?
Well marked signs?
Clear aisles & routes?
Inaccessible locations?
Auditory & visual signals?
Good lighting? Dim?
Library Staff
Awareness of disability issues
Trained in???…
.....Policies & Procedures
.....Use of TTD/TTY
.....Adaptive computer technology
.....Sign language
.....Bi-lingual
.....Braille & other services
Library Services
Designated staff member to coordinate accommodations & services.
People w/disabilities included on Board, committees, & access planning process.
Written description of services & procedures for those w/disabilities.
Reference & circulation services available by phone, TTY/TDD, & electronic mail.
Resource delivery services for patrons confined to home, retirement facilities or hospitals.
Large print & Braille versions of handouts & guides.
Reader & research assistance available.
Sign language & bi-lingual interpretation services for library events.
Large magnifying glasses available.
Modified curriculum to fit individual needs.
Adaptive Technology
Adjustable tables.
Large print key labels.
Home-row key indicators.
Software to enlarge screen images.
Large monitors (at least 17”).
Speech output system.
Braille conversion software.
Braille printer.
Trackballs (versus mouse).
Wrist rests and keyguards.
Electronic Resources
LMC Web page – Universal Design?
Images & sound – Text alternatives?
Web design - Clear navigation paths?
LMC's electronic resources (online catalogs, indexes, databases) – Accessible w/adaptive computer technologies (screen readers/speech synthesis)?
Web guidelines – Require accessibility?
Inaccessible electronic resources – Other formats of information available?
Helpful Hints
Visual Impairments
Learning Disabilities
Mobility Impairments
Speech Impairments
Hearing Impairments
Language/Cultural
Treat with same respect and consideration as you would others.
First…ASK if they need/want help.
Talk directly TO person w/disability, not via person’s companion.
Only refer to their disability IF it is relevant to the conversation.
Avoid negative connotations of disability.
Refer to PERSON first, then their disability.
http://www.washington.edu/doit/UA/
