Hello,
One thing you (librarians) might like to try is WordAloud. This is an
assistive reader, for anybody who is "print disabled", i.e. anybody
who has a problem with written language. It can read text files
and web pages stored in the computer, whether they have been downloaded
from the web, loaded from disc, typed in, or scanned in. The reader cum
browser has a word-at-a-time display, which enables choice of character
font and size, and choice of text and background colours. This is helpful
for clients/patrons with low vision, and is often helpful for dyslexics.
Then there is speech synthesis, so that each word is spoken as it
is displayed. This is useful for clients with severe dyslexia
or visual impairment. Furthermore you can play through the text without
the speech, and then click on any word to hear it spoken. This is useful
for clients with learning difficulties or with literacy problems
generally, including those for whom English is a second language.
WordAloud was designed in the Senior Online project, and is
simple to operate, regardless of age. It can be operated entirely
from the keyboard, or entirely using a mouse. Staff can quickly learn
the system so that they are able to help clients get started,
whatever their capabilities.
A future version of WordAloud is planned, which will cater for people
who use symbols (Rebus or PCS) and for deaf people, using a parallel
display of symbols and sign language respectively.
The aim is to improve text accessibility for everyone who wants it.
You can download a free evaluation copy of WordAloud from the
web site www.wordaloud.co.uk. This may be the "new, innovative
and cost-effective" technology that you have been looking for.
Cheers from Chiswick,
John
--
In message <[log in to unmask]>
[log in to unmask] writes:
>Re the inquiry about providing an interpreter for a patron who has a hearing
>difference.
>
>Thank you, Dr. Coombs! I agree wholeheartedly with you.
>
>It is not what a library "has to do" that should be the focus. It is what a
>library CAN do to help a patron, ANY and EVERY patron, to provide the best
>service possible to all patrons. The same way we try to provide the
>best possible service to patrons whose diversity is that they know/understand
>different languages other than the language[s] provided for at the library is
>how we should approach providing service to people whose language is sign
>language.
>
>Step 1: Ask the patron about his/her needs - just as we would any other patron.
>
>Every difference is unique to the individual. [Using myself as an example, due
>to a mobility difference, I type with one hand, my left hand. Fast and
>accurately. Some people may assume falsely that to type, I require/must use a
>special keyboard and/or special software. I don't. I type on a standard QWERTY
>keyboard, because that is how I taught myself to do it. ]
>
>Ask the patron. The patron knows best what s/he requires, IF ANYTHING.
>
>Why I advocate so strongly for positive language when the subject matter
>involves people with differences or differabilities.
>
>The "dis" and other negative terminology has kept society's focus on "what do
>we have to do" and "what can we get away with NOT doing without getting into
>legal trouble:" negative attitudes that promote misperceptions, false
>assumptions, and the depersonalization of people who do things differently.
>
>Turn the subject into the positive topic that it should be: "A for
>Accessibility," a subject relevant to everyone, and we will have people wanting
>to provide service, especially in new, innovative, cost-effective, even
>cost-free ways. That is why I was so pleased that the Accessibility Pavilion
>at ALA Annual was called positively the ACCESSIBILITY Pavilion... [snip]
>Ellen Perlow
>Chair, ALA ASCLA Century Scholarship Committee
>The ALA ASCLA Century Scholarship Diversity Initiative
>"Celebrating a New Century that Celebrates Diversity"
>http://www.ala.org/ascla/centuryscholarship.html
>Have YOU recruited/applied to be a Century Scholarship applicant today?
>A for Accessibility: Positive Wins Every Time.
>----------------------------------------------------
>Manager of Information Services
>School of Library and Information Studies
>Texas Woman's University
>P.O. Box 425438
>Denton, TX 76204-5438
>Tel.: 940-898-2622 Fax: 940-898-2611
>Web: http://twu.edu/~s_perlow/
>E-Mail: [log in to unmask]
--
Access the word, access the world! -- Try our WordAloud software!!
John Nissen, Cloudworld Ltd., Chiswick, London, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 845 458 3944 (local rate in the UK)
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8742 8715
Email: [log in to unmask]
Web: http://www.cloudworld.co.uk and http://www.wordaloud.co.uk
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