Assistive technology is the service provided to people who
have disabilities. Library staff do all
that they can to ensure all users have equal access to all library
resources. This post will showcase the
San Francisco Public Library and what they offer to help people who have disabilities. The direct url for the page I am referencing
is http://sfpl.org/index.php?pg=2000008101. Their website is fairly easy to navigate and
within two clicks of links, users are brought to the Assistive Technology page.
To help users I will start from the beginning…enter San
Francisco Public Library into a search engine or enter http://sfpl.org/ into the address bar. Once you are on the main page, look to the
lower left corner for the box titled “Services.” Within that box click on “Accessibility
Services.” The next page has a variety of information from Library on Wheels to
Friends for Life. Just from this page,
users can see the library already has a wide range of services to help all
people. The second service listed is “Assistive
Technology,” so click on the link and you will be brought to the page that
lists several services the library offers that are considered assistive technology.
Accessibility Toolkits – They are devices that can be used
within the library.
The assistive devices are as
follows; Pencil grips, and held magnifier, book holder and signature guide just
to name a few.
BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) – An online
application is needed to qualify for this service, but there are thousands of
titles users will be able to access.
Braille Display and Embosser – For those who read braille,
they can print information from the computer in the Library for the Blind and
Print disabled.
CCTVS (closed-circuit televisions/ video magnifiers) – These
tvs are used to enlarge text.
NFB-NEWSLINE – This services allows library members to call
a telephone service that will read aloud over three hundred newspapers.
Reading machines – These machines scan printed English text
and read aloud what is on the page. Pictured here is one of those reading machines.
Talking library catalogs – There is at least one terminal on
five different floors of the library that have the capability to read aloud
what is one the screen and/or enlarge the text shown.
Talking sign receivers – Located on multiple floors
These are wonderful services offered to all library users
who need extra assistance. All
information listed above is from the San Francisco Public Library’s official
website. They also list their number
multiple times of most of their pages, which is one aspect of their site I
truly appreciate. It is apparent they
want to help and make sure the user knows they also can find assistance at the
library.
I enjoyed reading about The NFB-NEWSLINE. I had never heard of such a service before. I am now curious as to the regulations for using this service. Great job.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading about The NFB-NEWSLINE. I had never heard of such a service before. I am now curious as to the regulations for using this service. Great job.
ReplyDeleteThat is an impressive list of tools.
ReplyDelete