SPRINGFIELD LIBRARY ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY MANUAL

March 2001

V. Guide to Assisting Patrons by Category of Disability

Blind, Low Vision

• Assistance with pulling materials.
• Assistance using self-service databases. (JAWS, Zoomtext)
  • Library Catalog
  • Infotrac Searchbank
  • Business Databases
  • World Wide Web Directory Online
  • Encyclopedias
• Assistance using photocopier.
• Assistance using word processing (JAWS, Zoomtext)
• May need assistance with directions or guidance if traveling to a new location within the library.
• Individual Searching Assistance
• Library materials, including workshop documentation, may need to be provided in alternate format, e.g., Braille, audio-tape, large print. (Duxbury, Romeo brailler, CCTV)
• Should be made aware of library activities and resources. (Kurzweil, CCTV)
• Reference questions by e-mail
• Library in Your Mailbox

Deaf/Hard of Hearing

• Communication can occur writing notes or sitting down at a computer and typing to one another.
• Assistance using phones in the case of an urgent need when a TTY at Main Library
• Reference Desk or phone amplification device (only for hard of hearing) is not available.
• Closed-captioned decoder is available at the Circulation Desk for loan.
• Reference questions by fax and e-mail
• Library in Your Mailbox

Health Impairment

• Assistance pulling materials if fatigues easily, has broken limbs, etc.
• May need extended time for the check-out of library reserve materials due to fatigue, stamina or other debilitating affects caused from the health impairment.
• Assistance using self-service database if have hand/wrist/arm impairments such as carpal tunnel, broken arm, etc. (trackball, adjustable table at the Main Library )
• Assistance carrying heavy books due to hand/wrist/arm impairments, fatigue or stamina problems. (trackball, adjustable table at the Main Library.)
• Library in Your Mailbox
• No late fines if registered as a disabled user

Psychological Disorders

• May need extended time for the check-out of library reserve materials.
• May have unusual behavior due to medication (staff sensitivity required).
• May be agitated, staff should be calm, stay at an appropriate distance.
• Contact security if appropriate (ext. 355).

Learning Disabilities

• Assistance using self-service database (dyslexia or visual processing disabilities)
• Assistance using self-service databases. (JAWS, Zoomtext)
  • Library Catalog
  • Infotrac Searchbank
  • Business Databases
  • World Wide Web Directory
  • Online Encyclopedias
• "Adult Interest Material" (AIM) collection (high interest, low vocabulary)

Mobility Impairments

Wheelchair User:

• Identification of accessible routes of travel, restrooms, elevators, phones and study areas
• Assistance with pulling materials.
• Assistance using self-service databases if stations are not wheelchair accessible or if person with disability has additional hand/arm mobility limitations. (trackball, adjustable table at the Main Library )
• Assistance using photocopier.
• Assistance using microfiche equipment if not wheelchair accessible or if person with disability has limited hand/arm mobility/coordination.
• Assistance putting material into bag or getting materials out to return them.

Non-Wheelchair User:

• Identification of accessible routes of travel to restrooms, elevators, phones and study areas.
• Assistance with pulling materials (possible if using crutches, walker, etc., or fatigues easily).
• Assistance putting material into bag or getting materials out to return them (possible if using crutches, walker, etc.)

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220 State Street
Springfield MA 01103
413-263-6828

This page last updated: 2/28/02