I registered three complaints with our Brooklyn Borough President about no
access to computer equipment for visually impaired/blind patrons. It's
available to all other patrons, no training for blind/visually impaired to
use computers, job search information, catalogue and database searches,
etc.

Here's Martin Gomez's reply to my complaints, and don't be fooled by his
reference to "programmed" in fron of Computer Screen Enlarger where he
lists equipment available - it's a stand alone plain old CCTV - no
programming or computer technology involved.

--- Forwarded mail from <[log in to unmask]>


[Letterhead] Brooklyn Public Library Office of the Executive Director
Grand Army Plaza Brooklyn, NY 11238 [no phone number, fax number
included herewith]


Brooklyn

June 19, 1997

Patricia Ann Bromberger 35 Seacoast Terrace, Apt. 3-B Brooklyn, NY
1 123 5

Dear Ms. Bromberger:

Borough President Howard Golden has referred your letter of May
23, 1997 to me regarding access to library services for people who
are blind or visually impaired.

The Andrew Heiskell Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
is the New York State Regional Library responsible for providing
services to the blind and print impaired in our area. While it
happens to be located in Manhattan, it is specially funded and
mandated to provide library services to Long Island (Nassau and
Suffolk) and to all five boroughs of New York City. I am including
information concerning this service, which is fully available to
all eligible residents of Brooklyn.

The Brooklyn Public Library offers a considerable number of services
and programs specifically geared to the needs of persons who have
a visual impairment or are blind. The former Coordinator of the
Office of Serices for Persons with Disabilities, Mario Gonzalez is
now the Director of Programs and Special Services for Brooklyn
Public Library. Mr.Gonzalez is developing many innovative services
and programs to ensure equal access for all library patrons.

At the present time, the following adaptive computer software and
hardware to assist individuals who are visually impaired or blind
is available at the Central Library in the Education & Job Computer
Center on the ground floor:

Color Closed Circuit TV Enlarger Programed Computer Screen Enlarger
Braille Printer Braille Keyboard Braille Translation software
Personal Reader-Reading Edge


June 19, 1997 Patricia Ann Bromberger Page two

The address and phone number is:

Education & Job Computer Center Grand Army Plaza Brooklyn,N.Y.
11238 (718) 780-7777/726.

In addition, the following are available throughout the library
system:

+    Audio Books are available at the Central Library. Large print
books are available for circulation at all 59 branches throughout the
library system.

+    The Midwood Branch, which will be re-opening shortly,
will have an extensive audio book collection.

+    The Service to the Aging program supplies large print books
and audio books to over 116 nursing homes and senior centers
throughout Brooklyn as well as a wide variety of public programs
at fourteen branches. The Calender of Events is being transcribed
into large print beginning this summer.

The Service to the Aging Program is preparing to present a weekly
program called "Words Alive". This will be geared towards seniors
with low vision or who may be blind, but everyone is invited. It
will feature Read Aloud Programs, workshops, audio and large print
book discussions, lectures of wide interest and literary entertainment.
"Words Alive" will be held at the Gerritsen Beach Branch in the
Fall. At present, we are establishing an advisory committee to
guide us on the implementation of these programs.  We would welcome
your participation or that of a representative you might wish to
suggest.

The Library is always looking at ways to enhance its services. The
Coordinated Outreach Services Advisory Board was created to assist
us in recommending service enhancements and evaluating current
services to special populations.Your participation on the Board
would be most welcome. For your information I am attaching a fact
sheet on the Board.

We believe that these programs and services are of significant
benefit and that they assure that all residents of Brooklyn have
equal access.

For further information, please feel free to contact, Mario Gonzalez
at (718) 780-7779.

Sincerely,
nb Martin Gomez
Executive Director

cc: Howard Golden, Brooklyn Borough President




Attachment:

Brooklyn Public Library Grand Army Plaza Brooklyn, New York 11238


Coordinated Outreach Service Grant Program (COSG)

Advisorv Board Members Responsibilities

The Child's Place for Children With Special Needs (TCP) The Service
to the Aging Program (Svs/Aging)

Members are requested to attend the two Advisory Board meetings a
year. Advisory Board members are appointed to a two year term and
shall do as many of the following as they are able:

+Learn the work ofthe Child7s Place and the Service to the Aging
Program and the Brooklyn Public Library through Advisoly Board
meetings, attendance at library programs and other information
provided by the Brooklyn Public Library.

+ Advise the Board and the staffofthe Child's Place and the Service
to the Aging Program as to whether or not the services are meeting
the needs of the people served.

Provide extra-organizational viewpoints both at meetings, and to
staff of both programs.

Act as a liaison with community groups and other constituencies of
their organizations.

Act as a support to the Brooklyn Public Library in maintaining
funding for these programs received from governmental bodies and
private sources.

Act as a source of referral.

+Help foster good public relations.





--- End of forwarded message from <[log in to unmask]>



--- End of forwarded message from Mail Delivery Subsystem <MAILER-DAEMON>