Accessibility in Library Spaces
Accessibility in the Library
Accessibility is the ability to access and benefit from the services offered. That means that all individuals regardless of disabilities should be able to access materials and services. In a public library space, this is especially important. Libraries are places where all patrons are welcome and accepted. In order for libraries to truly be a place of welcome, their services and materials must be accessible to all patrons of the community.
According to The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is against the law to discriminate based on disabilities. This imposes certain accessibility requirements for public institutions, like libraries. This means that libraries have to meet certain standards in order to meet this requirements by ADA.
Accessibility and Computers
I want to review a tool my local library has available for patrons, Windows computers. Most, if not all libraries have computers that are free for patrons to utilize. The technological advancements of computers has come a long way since its initial release. The Windows computers available at my local library have accessibility capabilities that allow blind and low vision individuals to utilize this digital tool freely.
Lets discuss the features:
1) Screen Reading: This feature allows for the patron to have the text on their computer screen read out loud to them.
2) Visual and Audio Description and Narration: This feature allows for users to hear a description or narration of everything displayed on the computer screen. This allows for a explanation of what is on the screen.
3) High Contrast Text: This option makes it so that the text on the computer is in the highest contrast. Which makes the highlights very bright and the shadows very dark, which makes it easier for individuals to read.
4) Windows Magnifier: This application is built-in to the Windows computers' operating systems. It allows the users to enlarge what is displayed on the screen. It makes the text and images larger, which can assist in a more clear detailed image or text.
5) Speak Recognition: This computer feature allows for the tool to recognize speech and convert it to readable text. This is great feature when trying to type a document.
Conclusion
I am passionate about this tool's accessibility features because I personally have friends that are visually impaired. I see everyday how certain things can be more difficult for them than others. Having to use a computer should not be a frustrating thing to do for anyone, especially those who may not see things the same as others. Features like the ones stated above are game changers for those who have a disability or impairment. Libraries are great places and the services and tools they provide should be accessible to everyone. By having these features available for patrons who have a vision impairment they are ensuring equal access to all. I encourage you to read more about Accessibility in libraries.
References
Accessibility in Libraries. (n.d.). https://www.ala.org/sites/default/files/tools/content/220928-ppo-ltc-access-landscape-review.pdf
ADA.gov. (2019). ADA.gov homepage. Ada.gov. https://www.ada.gov
Hi Jo: thank you for your post! It took me working at a school to understand the importance of accessibility in our schools and in our libraries. That everyone be given the right to learn, to explore the world through technology, books, movies, music etc...seems like common sense and yet there are so many barriers we have to overcome before we get to 100% accessibility. Thank you for sharing what is done at your library. Did you find that many patrons with low vision use these computers? Karen
ReplyDeleteHi! I currently do not work at my local library but I am very familiar with the tools since I come there almost every day. I personally have not seen a visually impaired individual use the computers at my library. However, I do have friends that use similar features on their personal computers. It truly is amazing what technology can do!
DeleteThis is a great infographic, Jo. Thank you for the additional link to learn more about accessibility in libraries. For those of us not in this profession, it's super helpful.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I think the accessibility in libraries is a great source to read if you want more information.
DeleteHi, Jo! Thank you for your post. As someone who doesn't work in the library profession but works as a special education teacher, I enjoyed getting to explore accessibility through a different lens. I appreciate the overlap with accessibility tools that can be used in the both the classroom and library setting, such as communication tools, talking books, and software/fonts for dyslexia. I think you did a great job on your infographic and loved the point you made about the need for accessibility tools in libraries so they can truly be a welcoming place to all!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this information about accessibility features available in libraries! As you shared libraries offer free use of their computers to all people therefore it is important for there to be features that ensure the access to all. The features you shared are ones that people even without visual impairments could use to make the access to the computers easier for them. I am someone who is guilty of always zooming in on things, so I would take advantage of the Windows Magnifier tool for sure!
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for providing an infographic and a description of some accessibility tools in the library and ways they assist those with disabilities. I also like how you mentioned "equal access," I think many of these features improve how people navigate technology whether we are using visual enhancements or auditory tools to better understand information that is being presented. I also like how Oboube responded that learning is a right! She is right on! Great post!
Hi Jo,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! Libraries and librarians have always had.a special place in my heart because of exactly the sentiment shared in your conclusion. These are places for compassion and acceptance - which I don't think is a coincidence that acceptance and accessibility share the same root word. Librarians live the mission of trying to get everyone the information they seek and they deserve regardless of what might get in their way. Your knowledge and flexibility in helping them access what they're looking for is admirable. Keep up the good work!
Hi Jo! Thank you for sharing your great blog post with us! I really enjoyed reading your post, I thought described the definition and importance of accessibility in public spaces wonderfully. I especially like how you explained how important it is for libraries to have accessible resources and services in particular because of how library organizations are meant to be welcoming environments for all people, of every identity, background and ability, to utilize services, study and enjoy.
ReplyDeleteAs a woman with a blindness and limited vision disability myself, I really appreciate that you discussed the features of your local library's computers and the accessibility they offer patrons. When I am studying for school, doing recreational reading or working to complete a task, having the ability enlarge the screen text is incredibly important for me. Features like the ones you discussed allow me to complete my responsibilities as a student or just have fun in general. I think it's really great that you described the positives of your library's accessible computer systems. I also want to say I like the infographic poster you designed for the assignment, I love the pastel colors and images you picked, as well as the information you provided on the poster looks very professional. Great post, Jo!