Information Power to All Patrons

Abstract

Abstract Prior the digital age, people with disabilities that prevented them from using traditional print resources had little choice when it came accessing information. If they had a visual impairment or learning disability, they could contact their local National Library Service for books on tape or in braille, contact Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, or find a sighted reader record or read the information aloud. (1) If they had a physical disability, there were devices that would hold a book and turn the pages, with the inconveniences of pages sticking or being skipped while turning. The birth and rapid growth of digital technology heralded a new era of information access and changed forever the possibilities of information equality. Unfortunately, many people with disabilities are on the wrong side of the digital divide because of lack of money purchase equipment and Internet services, or, in some cases, they simply do not realize the importance of computer technology. Chapter 1 of LTR (vol. 48, no. 7) Making Libraries Accessible: Adaptive Design and Assistive Technology discusses how libraries can truly change lives by making accessibility a reality. There Oughta Be a Law (and There Is)--Laws, Regulations, and Guidelines for Services It is important be aware of the laws that govern access information for persons with disabilities, as failure comply on the part of libraries may be cause for litigation. Applicable laws are Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, which was amended in 2008 and reaffirmed in 2009. (2) Section 8 of the Americans with Disabilities Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) specifically addresses libraries. Briefly, these laws mandate that persons with disabilities have access public programs and services (including electronic). Therefore, if the library offers free access computers and training, it must offer access for persons who need adapted access avenues. Reasonable accommodations must also be made for the needs of staff with disabilities. The ADA itself is organic and continues be refined recognize the fact that technology is in flux; thus, it is useful consult the main ADA website peruse the latest publications and decisions and determine if your library is in compliance. ADA Home Page www.ada.gov The publications 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and Guidance on the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design are available on the ADA website at www. ada.gov/2010ADAstandards_index.htm. Visitors may register online receive updates on potential changes the standards. Takes a Positive Stand on Accessibility for All The section Mission, Priority Areas, Goals in the Policy Manual states that the work of the association and libraries is to ensure access information and enhance learning and ensure access information for all, and the preamble the Library Bill of Rights clarifies that all libraries are forums for information and ideas. (3) An interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights reads, in part: ALA recognizes that persons with disabilities are a large and often neglected part of In addition many personal challenges, some persons with disabilities face economic inequity, illiteracy, cultural isolation, and discrimination in education, employment, and the broad range of societal activities. The library plays a catalytic role in their lives by facilitating their full participation in society. (4) Show Me the Numbers Determining accurate statistics for persons with disabilities is a difficult task, as the term disability is subjective, so the meaning varies with the person being queried. For example, a person whose vision is so limited that she must be three inches from a monitor may not identify herself as disabled because she can still read text on the screen. …

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