DO-IT has a huge web site about accessibility that can be
found at http://www.washington.edu/doit/
. This web site talks about using technology using universal design. It begins with explaining why to be person first,
not disability first. There is a video about people on this main page. I
recommend watching the Universal Design page and watched the video about
strategies for making instruction in a classroom or in a tutoring center
accessible to all students at http://www.washington.edu/doit/Resources/udesign.html
. This second video is a good introduction to what universal design is and
how it can be applied in the classroom. Both of these documentaries are
not that long, and they give a wealth of information.
There is so much information on this web site that I am
always finding something new. There is also a section about libraries
found at http://www.washington.edu/doit/UA/PRESENT/libres.html
. Here they talk about the following topics for librarians:
As a
librarian, it is important to make library services accessible to
all. Making everything accessible to all helps everyone. For example,
when people are adjusting the sidewalks to make it wheel-chair accessible, it
helps not only those in wheelchairs, but also parents with baby strollers,
people who may have trouble walking, children with skate boards, businessmen
with rolling briefcases, and so forth.
This part of the web site begins by talking about legal
issues stating, “Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibit discrimination against individuals
with disabilities.” This means that you could be sued for not making your
library, either physical or virtual, accessible. Library buildings need to
be accessible for people with wheelchairs, and like what has been discussed
before, helps everyone. Computers and electronic resources need to be
accessible to everyone. Here is a section of the web site that I think
everyone needs to read and discuss:
Adaptive Technology for Computers
The library won't have special equipment on hand for every
type of disability. But you can anticipate the most commonly requested adaptive
technology and have that available. Start with a few items at first, and add
new technology as patrons request it. Here is a list of adaptive technology for
computers and computer workstations to get you started.
• At least one adjustable table for each
type of workstation in the library can assist patrons with mobility impairments
or who use wheelchairs.
• Large print key labels can assist
patrons with low vision.
• Software to enlarge screen images can
assist patrons with low vision and learning disabilities.
• Large monitors of at least 17 inches
can assist patrons with low vision and learning disabilities.
• A speech output system can be used by
patrons with low vision, blindness and learning disabilities.
• Braille conversion software and a
Braille printer can assist patrons who are blind.
• Trackballs can assist those who have
difficulty controlling a mouse.
• Wrist rests and keyguards can assist
some patrons with mobility impairments.
Electronic Resources
Be sure that the library's World Wide Web pages and other
electronic resources are designed to be accessible to people with disabilities.
Consider these items in ensuring accessible electronic resources.
• Do electronic resources with images and
sound provide text alternatives to these formats? Is the design consistent with
clear navigation paths?
• Can the library's electronic resources
including online catalogs, indexes, and full-text databases and CD-ROMs be
accessed with a variety of adaptive computer technologies such as screen
readers and speech synthesis?
• Do collection development policy statements
specifically state that electronic products should be evaluated for
accessibility as part of the purchasing process?
•Do library Web page style guidelines
require that pages be designed in an accessible format?
•Are librarians prepared to assist patrons
with electronic resources that they cannot access by providing research
consultations or materials in other formats?
We learn about DO-IT and other
accessible features in Dr. Stephanie Maatta Smith’s class at Wayne State
University LIS 7850: Issues in Librarianship – Introduction to Universal Access
Fall 2012. I highly recommend all students taking this class. Please
post your comments about universal access and universal design.
References
DO-IT
. (n.d.). University of Washington - washington.edu. Retrieved April 20, 2012,
from http://www.washington.edu/doit/
No comments:
Post a Comment