Assistive Technology in Public Libraries
Meg Canada, LibrarianeLibrary, Applications Development, & Training
Hennepin County Library
Levels of Ability
Ability may be considered to be on a continuum. Strive to use language that is respectful and appropriate. For example, the deaf community uses the term “hard of hearing” rather than “hearing impaired.”
The Facts
• There are an estimated 54 million people with disabilities living in the U.S.
– U.S. Census Bureau
• There are nearly 7 million school-aged children with disabilities in the U.S. – Congressional Research Service
The Facts (cont.)
• Nearly 70 percent of working-age adults with disabilities are unemployed. – U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division and Housing and Household Economic Statistics Division
• Fewer than 25 percent of people with disabilities who could be helped by assistive technology are using it.
– Alliance for Technology Access
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive Technology is a device that allows an individual with a disability to do what they could not do without the device. Assistive Technology ranges from highly complex technology to simple adjustments that can make life more dignified, remove barriers and change lives. – From the Assistive Technology of Minnesota (ATMn) Website
Why Assistive Technology?
• AT can mean economic and intellectual freedom for many people.
• “Electronic Curb-Cuts” benefit everyone.
• Universal Design is smart design.
• It’s our ethical responsibility to provide access to information.
AT @ your library
• Visit and talk to community groups
• Choose programs and devices that are widely used
• Consider low tech vs. high tech devices and software programs
• Consider space and resources
Closed-Circuit Televisions (Print Magnifiers)
• Use a special television camera and a monitor
• 4-50 times magnification
Alternate Keyboards
• Programmable keyboards
• On-screen keyboards
• Large Print/Large Keys
Alternate Mice
• Trackball
• Head Controlled (Camera Mice)
• Joystick (aka Jouse)
• Touch Pads
• Touch Screens
• Tablets
• Foot Pedals
Adjustable Tables and Desks
• There is no such thing as a standard wheelchair
• Not all users are at a “seated height”
• Hand crank and powered lift
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Software and Scanners
• Also called Text to Speech Programs
• Software: Kurzweil, OpenBook
• Device: VERA
Refreshable Braille Displays
• Tactile output of information from the computer screen
• Small, rounded plastic or metal pins form Braille characters
Screen Magnifiers vs. Readers
Magnifiers
• MAGic
• ZoomText
• Supernova
Readers
• JAWS
• Window-Eyes
• HAL
TTY/TDD’s
• Still widely used by deaf and hard of hearing community
• Can be modem-based
• Use their own set of language conventions
• Relay Services: telephone and video
Assistive Listening Devices
• Two types:– personal use (PocketTalkers)– group use (conference room systems)
• Primary purpose:– not to make a louder signal
• Goal:– make desired sound
stand out from thebackground noise
Voice Recognition
• Dragon Naturally Speaking
• Via Voice
Take Stock:What is already in your
collection?• Closed-captioned videos and DVD's
• Books on tape/cd’s
• Large print books
• Described videos
• eBooks
• Devices
Finding Funding
• STAR Directory
• Assistive Technology of Minnesota
• Lion’s Club
• Friends of the Library
Preparing Staff for AT
• All staff should have basic training
• Customer service training should compliment AT training
• Use manuals that come with software/ device to train staff
• Have staff practice using AT
Marketing
CommunityContacts
PrintMaterials
AudioMessages
