Libraries and Other Assistive Technology

In my last blog post, I gave some examples of ways libraries can incorporate mobile devices as assistive technology in order to support patrons with disabilities. This time, I decided to look at more resources and strategies for implementation that don’t necessarily relate to mobile technology.

Again, I think it is important to stress the necessity of libraries in providing assistive technology to their communities. In an article I read by Christopher Guder (2012), a librarian at Ohio University and ADA specialist, he mentions that a student told him that the library was “the only place on campus where people, like me, with learning disabilities or physical disabilities can find the computer programs that are necessary to be successful in the academic world. It is no exaggeration that my success would be impossible without this room (Guder, 2012, p. 14). The same is true of many communities, in which services are not necessarily designed with people with disabilities in mind.

Fortunately, there are options for libraries to fill this gap in access. In my past post, I mentioned the use of screen readers through mobile technology as an alternate means for people with disabilities to interact with devices. A common screen reading tool used in libraries is JAWS (Job Access With Speech) on Windows. It translates text into either audio or braille output. In addition to screen reading, it also provides users with difficulty using a mouse alternative ways of navigating electronic content through keystrokes.

Another screen reader with expanded functionality is ZoomText Magnifier/Reader. As the name suggests, it provides both screen magnification and reading features. In addition to providing different magnification options, ZoomText converts text into sound files that can be saved and played back later on computers and mobile devices. This added functionality makes it another popular accessible technology product for libraries.

ZoomText in action

A number of other recommended assistive technology items and links and their uses can be found on this ALA webpage.

In addition to software, physical and hardware changes can also be made to better support people with disabilities (Guder, 2012, p. 17). Equipping library computer with large monitors for magnification and headphones for screen reading software can make a big difference for users of assistive technology. Braille embossers are also a good resource for people living with blindness to take with them materials they have created with library computers. In addition to more electronic considerations, desks should have adjustable heights for wheelchair users or other people who may need different amounts of space. It is also a good idea to have these resources within distance of library staff who can assist patrons as needed. Guder suggests placing these resources near service desks or at least some sort of staff notification tool. Some libraries even create dedicated rooms devoted to assistive technology and assistive technology trained staff. For example, the San Diego Public Library central location has the OliverMcMillan I CAN! Center located on the first floor. Though dedicated centers may not be an option for all libraries due to funding and space concerns, this can be a good way to give patrons with disability privacy, as well as allow them to adjust the room lighting and other conditions to their needs (Guder, 2012, p. 17).

An example of a library Assistive Technology Center

I found it very interesting to learn about these resources. In his article, Guder (2012) notes that marketing these resources is also an important step in making sure people with disabilities know that the library can serve their needs. This includes making connections through local groups centered around disability awareness and advocacy, as well as through communication like websites, email, and videos. I have never noticed them at my local library branches, and am definitely going to keep an eye out for them in future visits and when reading emails.

Resources

ASGCLA. (2019, September 05). Assistive Technology: What You Need to Know Library. Retrieved April 19, 2020, from 

     http://www.ala.org/asgcla/resources/tipsheets/assistive-technologies

Bove, D. (Director). (2010, July 29). ZoomText Magnifier/Reader [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?

     v=htJ5jZnk6ZQ

Freedom Scientific. (n.d.). JAWS®. Retrieved April 19, 2020, from https://www.freedomscientific.com/Products/software/JAWS/

Guder, C. S., & Booth, C. (2012). Making the Right Decisions about Assistive Technology in Your Library. Library Technology Reports, 

     48(7), 14.

San Diego Public Library. (n.d.). OliverMcMillan I CAN! Center. Retrieved April 19, 2020, from https://www.sandiego.gov/public-

     library/central-library/i-can-center

UBC Okanagan (Director). (2015, October 21). Inclusive Technology Lab at the Library [Video file]. Retrieved from 

     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipD7nEOYus4