Richard, I wholeheartedly agree with Jane about the necessity to have accessible workstations throughout the library, and hope you're (considering?) doing that too. For some basic information that I prepared last year when I was at ALA, go to http://www.ala.org/ascla/issues.html#access and look for "Accessible Library Workstations." It needs a little updating at this point, but is still basically sound. As far as your lab is concerned, >* one or two (or all) PC's that have specific software for folks with >special needs (screen readers, etc.) I'd say all computers should at least have a couple of basics (see the list referred to above) AND people should get specific direction rewgarding the accessible features on common software, such as the accessibility options in Microsoft products. Quite a bit of the software, such as Freedom Scientific/Arkenstone's WYNN, is also helpful for other groups, such as people with literacy problems. I also just had a demo on a new product from TextHELP called "Wordsmith." It looks fairly easy to use and very flexible, but I haven't heard anything from the front lines about it. Anyone have a comment? >* one or more large screen monitors I'd say as many as you can get your hands on, but at least two. I just saw a statistic that says the number of people who are blind or visually impaired will be doubling shortly, thanks to the aging of the Baby Boomers. I'm included in that number and I can assure you we're a demanding, service-changing bunch! >* special tables A couple, and I'd suggest electric pushbutton rather than those awful crank (cranky) things. >* other assisted technologies Pay more attention to the software than to the hardware, since that's where most of the assistance is for the greatest number of people. But be sure to have a few adaptive mice, switches, etc. on hand and readily usable. BTW, this isn't just about ADA. It's also about Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, people who are vertically challenged (including children), people who are culturally different, and simple common sense public service. But I won't get off in that direction today! Thanks for your question. I'll look forward to other answers. Audrey Audrey J. Gorman Access for All Naperville, IL, USA [log in to unmask] Mobile: 630-661-9062 Office: 630-717-7336 www.accessall.net (under construction and embarassing right now!) -----Original Message----- From: [log in to unmask] [SMTP:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Tuesday, March 26, 2002 5:47 PM To: [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Advice regarding a computer lab... Richard: My PRIMARY advice is to make sure that accessibility is mainstreamed, not kept to a single room or two. While there is some equipment that works better in a separate location (e.g., equipment used by people who need a quiet environment), less expensive and complicated equipment such as alternate mice/keyboards can be used anywhere. Policy plays a large role; if everyone knows they can check out alternate mice/keyboards for use on any library machine if they let the librarian plug it in properly, a level of real accessibility can occur. Jane