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Assistive Technology: Not Just for the ADA Patron

This webinar explores the use of assistive technology beyond ADA accommodations in libraries. Topics include common accommodation needs, useful control panels/utilities, free or low-cost third-party solutions, and policy considerations.

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Assistive Technology: Not Just for the ADA Patron

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  1. Assistive Technology: Not Just for the "ADA Patron" An Webinar Jane Vincent, A.M.L.S. jane@janevincent.com October 7, 2008 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. Infopeople webinars are supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.

  2. Agenda • Accommodation: a revised definition • Common accommodation needs • Useful control panels/utilities • Free or low-cost third-party solutions • Policy considerations

  3. Accommodation: a revised definition

  4. What is disability? • Legal construct: Americans with Disabilities Act draws a line between “disabled” and “non-disabled” • Practical construct: Human ability on a mutable continuum

  5. Examples of people who may needlibrary accommodations • Boomers/seniors • People with “learning differences” • ESL/beginning literacy students • People with RSI • Bariatric people • People with temporary/nascent disabilities

  6. Philosophy “If someone seems to need assistance, don’t worry whether they’re covered by the ADA. Just offer assistance.” --Alan Bern, Berkeley PL

  7. Common accommodation needs of these users

  8. Vision • Larger type • Cursor tracking • Modified color contrast • Glare reduction • Task lighting

  9. Dexterity • Sequential rather than simultaneous key pressing • Alternative to mouse movement/clicking • Alternative to flat keyboard • Slowing or elimination of key repeats

  10. Hearing • Volume control of technology • Amplification of communication

  11. Comprehension • Similar to vision needs • Multimedia • Simplified instructions

  12. Workspace • Height

  13. Control panels and utilities

  14. StickyKeys • Accessibility control panel, Keyboard tab • Allows sequential key presses

  15. FilterKeys • Accessibility control panel, Keyboard tab • Reduces problems with unwanted key repeats

  16. MouseKeys • Accessibility control panel, Mouse tab • Allows control of all mouse functions from the keypad

  17. Pointer size • Mouse control panel, Pointers tab • Allows modification of cursor size and color

  18. “Bullseye” • Mouse control panel, Pointer Options tab • Makes it easier to find the cursor

  19. Universal single click • Folder Options control panel, General tab • Eliminates confusion between single- and double-clicking

  20. Magnification utility • AccessoriesAccessibilityMagnifier • Provides basic magnification of all screen elements

  21. On-screen keyboard • AccessoriesAccessibilityOn-screen keyboard • Provides a mouse-operable keyboard

  22. Free or low-cost third party solutions

  23. ZoomWare • Little sibling to ZoomText • Provides text magnification up to 2x • Provides color, pointer, and cursor options

  24. Trackballs • Mouse alternative • May eliminate some clicking difficulties

  25. Mouserobics • Basic training on concepts such as mouse movement, scrolling, and highlighting • Fun, age-neutral website

  26. Adjustable keyboards • May be adjustable horizontally (split keyboards), vertically (tenting), or both • May improve hand/wrist positioning

  27. Large-print key labels • Available in different color combinations (usually black on white, white on black, black on yellow)

  28. Free screen readers/text readers • Screen readers: Usable by blind individuals; minimal visual interface • Text readers: Usable by individuals with visual or learning/cognitive disabilities; require mouse use

  29. Personal amplifiers and headphones • Amplifiers: facilitate communication with librarians or in meetings • Headphones: allow individuals using audio to set volume preferences without disturbing others

  30. “Craft store” accommodations • Puffy paint: makes keys easier to identify • Dycem or Velcro: stops keyboard slippage • Foam: makes tools like pens easier to hold

  31. Adjustable tables • Inexpensive and used models available

  32. Beyond the technology: policy considerations

  33. Non-technical accommodations • Additional time on the computer • Access to earmarked machines • Modifications to reservation process

  34. Building on existing policy • Is proof of disability required to take advantage of some/all accommodations?

  35. Revising policy • Take library’s individual situation into account • Demographics • Demand • Budget • Staffing

  36. A final thought • Accessibility as a process

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