The document discusses assistive technology and its use in libraries to ensure equitable access for patrons with disabilities. It outlines key laws like the ADA and IDEA that require accommodations. Assistive technology can aid those with physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments. Libraries must consider patron needs, safety, training, and resources when implementing assistive technologies. Examples provided include software, hardware, web accessibility, and resources to support the visual, auditory, mobility, and cognitive impairments. Universal design principles are also important for inclusive access.

1. Sonia Harper
TheInformationSeeker@gmail.com
* NOTE: Graphics and media (video) are temporarily included for educational purposes only; any copyrights are
retained by the original creators and are protected by applicable United States and international laws and treaties.
LIS 557 (USM): 4 March 2012

2. LIS 557 (USM): 4 March 2012 ‹#›

3.  ADA (the Americans with Disabilities Act), IDEA (the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), and the
Rehabilitation Act have outlined stipulations for
ensuring equitable access to the available services,
facilities, and programs in educational and employment
settings (Beekman and Beekman 419;
http://www.compuaccess.com/ada_guide.htm).
 With the exception of implant devices, assistive
technology may include items, services, equipment, or
product systems, whether altered or unaltered, which
serve to support, improve, sustain, or increase the
functional abilities of disabled persons
(http://idea.ed.gov/part-
c/statutes?q=assistive+technology#statute-58).
LIS 557 (USM): 4 March 2012 3

4. LIS 557 (USM): 4 March 2012 ‹#›

5.  Use of any technology requires that librarians
remain cognizant of several critical factors
including:
 patron safety and privacy;
 legal and ethical use;
 staff/faculty training;
 library and institutional goals; and
 financial resources (Stripling 87-9, 96-7).
LIS 557 (USM): 4 March 2012 5

6.  TheADA and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
have defined a disability as any mental or
physical impairment which significantly
impedes major life activities. Examples are:
 sensory functions;
 learning;
 pertinent bodily processes;
 communication;
 motor activities/abilities; and
 self-care
(http://www.ada.gov/pubs/adastatute08.htm#12102;
http://www2.ed.gov/policy/speced/reg/narrative.html).
LIS 557 (USM): 4 March 2012 6

7.  IDEA adds that students
with disabilities may have
or exhibit:
 emotional disturbances;
 autistic behaviors;
 traumatic injuries; and
 social/cognitive/emotional
delays
(http://www.disabled-
world.com/disability/accessibility/pictures.ph;
http://idea.ed.gov/part-
c/statutes?q=assistive+technology#statute-
58).
LIS 557 (USM): 4 March 2012 7

8.  Assistive (also
known as adaptive or inclusive)
technology requires planning for access on several
dimensions:
 physical space design;
 relevant hardware and software; and
 competent and informed library professionals
(http://www.washington.edu/doit/Faculty/Strategies/Academic/Adaptive/;
http://www.washington.edu/doit/UA/PRESENT/libres.html#L5).
LIS 557 (USM): 4 March 2012 8

9.  Assistive technology isrelevant for disabilities
which have a range of physical and/or
psychological origins.
* PHYSICAL * PSYCHOLOGICAL/MENTAL
- visual - learning disability
- aural
- mobility/motor
- oral
(http://www.washington.edu/doit/Faculty/Strategies/Academic/Adaptive/)
LIS 557 (USM): 4 March 2012 9

10. Technology for Visual Challenges
Technology for Auditory Challenges
1. Large Print Software/Equipment
2. Scanners
1. Sign Language Interpretive
3. Computerized Note Takers
Devices and Services
4. Braille Displays/Printers
5. Optical Character Recognition
2. Visual Signal Substitutes for
6. Speech Output Software
Audible Alerts
7. Web Browsers for the Visually 3. Spelling and Grammar Software
Impaired
LIS 557 (USM): 4 March 2012 10

11. Technology for Orthopedic/Mobility
Impairments Technology for Cognitive/Mental
Impairments
1. Voice Recognition Programs
2. Alternative Keyboard Operating 1. Noise Filtering/Protective
Software/Equipment Equipment
3. Word Completion and Prediction 2. Multisensory Software
Software
3. Speech Output/Input Programs
4. Ergonomic/Adjustable Equipment
4. Grammar/Spelling/Word-Use
5. Morse Code Input Devices
Software
6. Tracking Software/Equipment
LIS 557 (USM): 4 March 2012 11

12. (Slides 10-11):
SOURCES: http://www.compuaccess.com/ada_guide.htm;
http://www.disaboom.com/vision-and-hearing-technology/assistive-technology-
browsers-for-the-blind;
http://www.washington.edu/doit/UA/PRESENT/scatxt.html
LIS 557 (USM): 4 March 2012 12

13. LIS 557 (USM): 4 March 2012 ‹#›

14.  Ability diversities and
legal stipulations have made
universal Web design an absolute necessity.
Planning for diverse needs underlies the process
which, according to the World Wide Web
Consortium, should also consider:
 organized, consistent page designs;
 relevant, thoughtfully accessible graphic and audio
features;
 alternative content such as applets, databases, forms, or
frames; and
 context-sensitive, accessibility assuredness tools
(http://www.washington.edu/doit/Brochures/Technology/universal.design.html).
LIS 557 (USM): 4 March 2012 14

15. Assistive Technology in Academic Libraries
[https://muse.jhu.edu/journals/portal_libraries_and_the_academy/v001/
1.3green.html]
Assistive Technology in Public Libraries
[http://www.hclib.org/extranet/AssistTech/AssistiveTechnology_files/fram
e.htm]
Assistive Technology in School Library Media Centers
[http://isc.sagepub.com/content/42/2/119.full.pdf]
Assistive Technology in Special Libraries
[http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?issn=0741-
9058&volume=16&issue=9&articleid=1489488&show=html&view=printar
ticle&nolog=353037&PHPSESSID=em110dk59p3q2vh5hllncf4qk7]
Bookshare
[http://blog.bookshare.org/2010/09/17/what-does-bookshares-librarian-
do/]
LIS 557 (USM): 4 March 2012 15

16. The Center for Accessible Technology [http://www.cforat.org/]
National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials
[http://aim.cast.org/learn/research/atresearch]
The National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center
[http://www.nectac.org/topics/atech/udl.asp]
Pacer Center (Champions for Children with Disabilities)
[http://www.pacer.org/stc/]
Reading Rockets [http://www.readingrockets.org/article/33074/]
LIS 557 (USM): 4 March 2012 16

17.  Americans with Disabilities Act--Aiding the Physically Challenged Worker: Assistive
Technology for Computers and Persons with Disabilities. Web.
http://www.compuaccess.com/ada_guide.htm
 Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as Amended. Web.
http://www.ada.gov/pubs/adastatute08.htm#12102
 Beekman, George, and Ben Beekman. Digital Planet: Tomorrow's Technology and
You. Boston: Prentice Hall, 2012. Print.
 Disabled World Towards Tomorrow. Web. http://www.disabled-world.com/
 Disaboom. Web. http://www.disaboom.com/
 IDEA. Web. http://idea.ed.gov/
 Stripling, Barbara K. Learning and Libraries in an Information Age: Principles and
Practice. Englewood, Colo: Libraries Unlimited, 1999. Print.
 The Rehabilitation Act. Web. www.ed.gov
 University of Washington. Web. www.washington.edu
 Youtube. Web. www.youtube.com
LIS 557 (USM): 4 March 2012 17

18. Thank you for your attention!
Do you have any questions,
concerns, or comments?
LIS 557 (USM): 4 March 2012 18