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.
> 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
>
>


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