The correct address for VIPACE is http://trfn.clpgh.org/vipace where one
can learn about library access. I had seen the message earlier however i
had forgoten about it.
On Mon, 12 Apr 1999, Kelly Pierce wrote:
> On Wed, 7 Apr 1999, Leonard R. Kasday wrote:
>
> > A person I've been talking with, Michael Kocak, needs a scanner and
> > screenreader. Or, even better, software like Open Book for ease of use plus
> > a screenreader. He's in Homestead Pennsylvania, just outside of Pittsburgh.
> >
> > Does anyone know of public libraries in that area that have such equipment?
>
> Kelly:
> First, be sure to connect him with the Pittsburgh vicug, the Visually
> Impaired Pittsburgh Area computer enthusiasts. Check them out at
> http://www.city-net.com/vipace
>
> VIPACE members have worked with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and the
> electronic Information Network of Allegany County to provide access to pc
> applications, the Internet, and electronic library resources.
>
> Lenord:
> > Personally, I'd expect that ADA requires it, although I'm not a lawyer and
> > I don't know what the actual legal situation is at this time.
>
> Kelly: the ADA requires, according to Section 35.160 in Title II,
> "effective communication" equal to that afforded to nondisabled persons.
> There have been no appellate court decisions on using information
> technology to provide access, such as a scanning system with speech
> synthesis, or access to information technology itself, such as public
> access computers. However, the Department of Education has issued letters
> of finding on this that might provide some guidance as to its
> interpretations of the ADA regarding this. these can be found at
> http://www.rit.edu/~easi/law.html the defendants in the complaints cited
> decided to settle rather than wage a lengthy and expensive court battle
> with the Education Department.
>
> Remember that in access to services, the obligations are in proportion to
> size, resources, and the nature of the services provided. For example,
> the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh would likely be found to have to
> provide a scanning system to read books to blind patrons while a small
> rural library with one staff person who works part time and the library
> only open three days a week would likely not be required to do so.
>
> Lenord:
> > If there aren't such libraries, he'd like to lobby for such equipment to be
> > installed in a nearby public library. Would someone have a recommendation
> > on what organizations he could work with to make it happen? Or info on
> > similar attempts in other cities?
>
> Kelly: Again, check with the Pittsburgh group. I just settled a
> discrimination complaint with The Chicago Public Library on this issue.
> I will be happy to e-mail my documents to anyone. Also, each year our
> state has a competitive grant competition that awards money to local
> public libraries for assistive technology. the grants have included
> scanning systems, cctv's, screen magnification software, synthetic speech
> access to computers, and assistive listening systems. be sure to check
> with your state library for a similar program. Also, each state receives
> funds from the federal Library Services and Technology Act. Part of this
> funding is intended to extend library services to people with
> disabilities. It is up to one's local library to apply for these funds.
> The best place to start is local, with your local librarian and library
> board. the money is out there. One needs to ask for it.
>
> kelly
>
>
> VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List.
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> [log in to unmask] In the body of the message, simply type
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>
>
VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List.
To join or leave the list, send a message to
[log in to unmask] In the body of the message, simply type
"subscribe vicug-l" or "unsubscribe vicug-l" without the quotations.
VICUG-L is archived on the World Wide Web at
http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/vicug-l.html
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