Assistive Technology and Intellectual Disabilities

"Many Americans lack the skills required to use public access computers and the Internet at public libraries. Staff members can help them develop basic computer training skills to support patrons' Internet and public access computer use."  (eric.ed.gov, 2018)

It is important for a librarian to develop skills of their own in order to help provide the correct direction to patrons who may need extra help. First and foremost, ensure patrons with any kind of disabilities you meet (even those you can't see), that they are welcomed, valued, and are equal members of their library community. It isn't difficult to recognize a patron who may not understand the process of using a library computer. The fear and intimidation alone by their surroundings is hard enough, but not knowing how to approach a librarian for help, is just as hard! That fear can be visually obvious on any face young or old, but it can be even more animated with those with learning disabilities. In general, computers can be easy to use, but if you've never used one and have learning difficulties, it can be a incredibly stressful and difficult challenge! Someone has to show them the ropes and libraries must be trained to provide all patrons of any learning levels, the basic needs to start them on the use of library computers.

Libraries play a crucial role in the lives of people with disabilities by making it easier for them to participate in society by helping them overcome barriers! 

Does your library offer workshops for patrons with learning skills? If not, why not suggest one? If this suggestion takes time, find ways to provide tools until it happens.Staff should be aware that Microsoft’s Windows packages and Vista programs do come with accessibility attributes that can help some persons with moderate disabilities use computers. These accommodations can be found in the Microsoft Ease of Access Center and includes programs such as Sound Sentry which helps hearing-impaired people see audio computer cues while Sticky Keys enables key-combination commands, such as Ctrl-Alt-Delete, to be entered as individual key entries (useful for persons who have limited dexterity). Patrons with visual impairments or learning disabilities may find programs such as the “Magnifier” and “Narrator” helpful. There are many other programs that would be useful for a wide range of patrons with disabilities. Libraries using Apple Mac computers should be aware that Apple also incorporates accessibility in all of their products. There is a wide range of tools available which will help people with learning, visual, hearing, and physical disabilities access information without any cost to the library.

If you haven't been trained on how to approach or train patrons with learning disabilities, the following links may provide and help you become familiar and knowledgeable with skills needed to help others overcome barriers so they can learn, understand, and overcome!

                           

Libraries should utilize strategies, resources, and services for the needs of all people!

Organizations

ATSTAR (Assistive Technology: Strategies, Tools, Accommodations & Resources) features free online curriculum for students with disabilities by helping teachers learn to use assistive technology in the classroom.
Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) is the trade association for manufacturers, sellers, and providers of assistive technology. It hosts a useful AT Resources Funding Guide that includes nonprofit, government, and insurance sources for AT funding.
Edutopia Assistive Technology: Resource Roundup is a concise place to find out how to get started with AT, find assistive technology tips and tricks, and learn about Universal Design for Learning.
Open Door World is an ancient but useful compendium of AT organizations.

                

                                  Useful Links

• Alliance for Technology Access (ATA) 

  The mission of the ATA is to increase the use of technology by children and adults with disabilities and functional limitations. ATA encourages and facilitates the empowerment of people with disabilities to participate fully in their communities. Through public education, information and referral, capacity building in  community organizations, and advocacy/policy efforts, the ATA enables millions of people to live, learn, work, define their futures, and achieve their dreams.

• Closing the Gap

  Includes information about the Closing the Gap Conference and Newspaper dedicated to the use of computer technology for people with disabilities. Contains a searchable resource directory, information from the field, and a multiple resources. 

• California State University at Northridge Center on Disabilities (CSUN) 

  The site provides information on the CSUN Conference and Assistive Technology Training and multiple resources pertaining to technology and services to individuals with disabilities.

• Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD)

  The FCTD web site provides thousands of assistive and instructional technology resources of interest to families of children with disabilities. The website offers access to fact sheets, Power Point presentations, monthly newsletters, online discussion and summer institute transcripts, a database of more than 3,500 organizations, a resource review database with hundreds of reviews of AT resources and more. Through the site users can also access FCTD Family Information Guides as well as resources in Spanish.

• Technology and Media Division CEC (TAM) 

  The purpose of TAM is to support educational participation and improved results for individuals with disabilities and diverse learning needs through the selection, acquisition, and use of technology. The secondary purpose is to provide services to members and other units of CEC, to federal, state, and local education agencies, and to business and industry regarding the current and future uses of technology and media with individuals with exceptionalities.

Resources:
Lonzo, Lavonia, Adult Public Library Patrons' Perceptions of an Academic Library E-Learning Resource, https://eric.ed.gov/?q=+library+patrons+who+have+disabilities&id=ED586700
QIAT, https://www.qiat.org/useful-links.html, 2020