The document discusses plans to create an accessible technology workspace at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Main Library. The project has experienced delays due to funding and the historic status of the building. A survey was conducted to gather user needs. Next steps include determining equipment, outreach, and evaluation plans. The space is intended to provide students with disabilities easy access to assistive hardware, software, furniture, and resources.

1. JJ Pionke
University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Pionke@Illinois.edu @jjpionke
Building an Assistive Technology Workspace
CURRENT STATUS
• Discussions for the potential space began in spring,
2017 in the Accessibility Advisory Group for the
University Library.
• The space went through several redesigns as
personnel and goals shifted.
• Development was delayed due to a funding source
change that enables a more complete assistive
technology working space.
• Development further delayed because the Main
Library building itself is on the U.S. National Register
of Historic Places.
• Currently gathering data and developing a purchasing
plan for materials.
• Currently waiting for various committees to approve
enhanced funding, space renovation, etc.
INTRODUCTION
Problem Statement:
The Main Library at the University of Illinois at Urbana-
Champaign dates back to 1924 and as such does not
easily meet modern standards for accessibility though it is
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant.
Solution:
Among other modifications, create a working space
specifically designed for students with disabilities that is
easy to access and use, in a central location.
Potential requirements:
• On the first floor, near an accessible entrance, and
near an information point.
• Accessibility hardware, software, and furniture.
• The space should be reservable on the library’s room
reservation system.
• Its own entrance so that patrons with disabilities may
come and go without assistance or surveillance.
SURVEY RESULTS
In the late spring semester of 2018, a short survey was
distributed to students registered for accommodations via
Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES)
and to the general student population. Perhaps due to
the time of year and any number of other factors,
response to the survey was limited with only 12 entries.
WHAT’S NEXT
• Determine the equipment that needs to be purchased
for the space.
• Develop a marketing/outreach plan to encourage
usage.
• Create an evaluation plan for usage and feedback.
• Conduct user experience tests for space performance
enhancement.
A SHORT BIBLIOGRAPHY
Burgstahler, S.E. (2015). Universal Design in Higher
Education: From Principles to Practice. 2nd Ed.
Cambridge: Harvard Education Press.
Farmer, L.S.J. (2013). Library Services for Youth with
Autism Spectrum Disorders. Chicago, ALA Editions.
Feinber, S., Jordan, B., Deerr, K., & Langa, M. (2014).
Including Families of Children with Special Needs.
Revised by Carrie Scott Banks. Chicago: Neal-Schuman.
Hamraie, A. (2017). Building Access: Universal Design
and the Politics of Disability. Minneapolis: University of
Minnesota Press.
Priestner, A. & Borg, M. (2016). User Experience in
Libraries: Applying Ethnography and Human-Centered
Design. New York: Routledge.
Vance, M. L., Lipsitz, N.E., & Parks, K. (2014). Beyond
The Americans with Disabilities Act: Inclusive Policy and
Practice for Higher Education. Washington, D.C.: NASPA.
Vincent, J. (2014). Making the Library Accessible for All.
Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield.
Other suggestions for the space included:
• Adjustable computer screen heights
• Low brightness computers
• Standing and sitting computer work stations
• Ergonomic mouse
• Accessible printer
• Staffing to assist with station adaptation as needed
• Over the ear headphones
Quiet Study, 7
Group Work, 6
Use of or trying out
assistive
technology, 5
Meeting with a
professor or
librarian, 4
Using library
resources/books, 9
HOW MIGHT YOU USE A DESIGNATED
ACCESSIBLE WORK SPACE?
Quiet Study Group Work
Use of or trying out assistive technology Meeting with a professor or librarian
Using library resources/books
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
A chair with adjustable height arms
A chair without arms
A height adjustable table without a computer
Alternative lighting
An additional non-adjustable table as a workspace
White noise machine
Whiteboard
Other
What types of furniture would work best for
you in an accessible work space?
What types of furniture would work best for you in an accessible work space?
Large monitor, 4, 15%
Dual monitors, 4, 15%
Curved/ergonomic
keyboard, 3, 11%
Large print keyboard, 3,
11%
Alternative input device, 1,
3%
Flatbed scanner, 3, 11%
Overhead scanner, 4, 15%
Speakers, 1, 4%
Screen magnifier, 3, 11%
Other, 1, 4%
What computer hardware would you like
available on the computer(s)?
Large monitor Dual monitors Curved/ergonomic keyboard Large print keyboard
Alternative input device Flatbed scanner Overhead scanner Speakers
Screen magnifier Other
An interesting criticism of the potential accessible work
space from a survey participant:
“I am not convinced that an exclusively accessible
workspace is a good use of University resources.
Students who need the assistive hardware and software
should be able to obtain it from State Vocational
Rehabilitation Services, so that they have access to it at
all times, and not just in the library. I, personally, would
not likely use the space often, if at all. the main advantage
for me would be to get exposure to and training with
assistive software that I do not currently use, so that I
could assess as to whether I were using the best software
and hardware for my disability needs.”
While this comment has a valid point, an element of
concern is that the participant isn’t taking into account is
that not all students with disabilities are registered with
disability services or the State Vocational Rehabilitation
Services.