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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" 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.
Agenda • Accommodation: a revised definition • Common accommodation needs • Useful control panels/utilities • Free or low-cost third-party solutions • Policy considerations
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
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
Philosophy “If someone seems to need assistance, don’t worry whether they’re covered by the ADA. Just offer assistance.” --Alan Bern, Berkeley PL
Vision • Larger type • Cursor tracking • Modified color contrast • Glare reduction • Task lighting
Dexterity • Sequential rather than simultaneous key pressing • Alternative to mouse movement/clicking • Alternative to flat keyboard • Slowing or elimination of key repeats
Hearing • Volume control of technology • Amplification of communication
Comprehension • Similar to vision needs • Multimedia • Simplified instructions
Workspace • Height
StickyKeys • Accessibility control panel, Keyboard tab • Allows sequential key presses
FilterKeys • Accessibility control panel, Keyboard tab • Reduces problems with unwanted key repeats
MouseKeys • Accessibility control panel, Mouse tab • Allows control of all mouse functions from the keypad
Pointer size • Mouse control panel, Pointers tab • Allows modification of cursor size and color
“Bullseye” • Mouse control panel, Pointer Options tab • Makes it easier to find the cursor
Universal single click • Folder Options control panel, General tab • Eliminates confusion between single- and double-clicking
Magnification utility • AccessoriesAccessibilityMagnifier • Provides basic magnification of all screen elements
On-screen keyboard • AccessoriesAccessibilityOn-screen keyboard • Provides a mouse-operable keyboard
ZoomWare • Little sibling to ZoomText • Provides text magnification up to 2x • Provides color, pointer, and cursor options
Trackballs • Mouse alternative • May eliminate some clicking difficulties
Mouserobics • Basic training on concepts such as mouse movement, scrolling, and highlighting • Fun, age-neutral website
Adjustable keyboards • May be adjustable horizontally (split keyboards), vertically (tenting), or both • May improve hand/wrist positioning
Large-print key labels • Available in different color combinations (usually black on white, white on black, black on yellow)
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
Personal amplifiers and headphones • Amplifiers: facilitate communication with librarians or in meetings • Headphones: allow individuals using audio to set volume preferences without disturbing others
“Craft store” accommodations • Puffy paint: makes keys easier to identify • Dycem or Velcro: stops keyboard slippage • Foam: makes tools like pens easier to hold
Adjustable tables • Inexpensive and used models available
Non-technical accommodations • Additional time on the computer • Access to earmarked machines • Modifications to reservation process
Building on existing policy • Is proof of disability required to take advantage of some/all accommodations?
Revising policy • Take library’s individual situation into account • Demographics • Demand • Budget • Staffing
A final thought • Accessibility as a process