We have a public access area that has 19 workstations.  We have one that has
a 21 inch monitor and adaptive software installed.  We have a sign that
states that this workstation is reserved for those with disabilities.  We
allow anyone to work on that station but first priority is given to those
with disabilities.  We do not have a time limit except for when we have
people waiting.  In that case, we still allow the person with a disability
more time if they need it.  We do have a staff member at the front desk at
all times and we have a sign in sheet so we have few problems when someone
is asked to leave.  We also have an assistive technology center which has 3
workstations but one must make an appointment to use the center.  The
assistive technology center has an instructor.  We provide training to those
with disabilities.  Hope this helps.

Ann Pearce
Services for the Visually and Physically Impaired
Manhattan Public Library
Manhattan, KS  66502

-----Original Message-----
From: Library Access -- http://www.rit.edu/~easi
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Alan Bern
Sent: Friday, February 07, 2003 6:51 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Query


2/7/03

Colleagues,

(1) Have any of you had experience with requiring 'verification of
disability' for access to services, programs, and equipment in your
libraries that are aimed at serving disabled users?

I have been looking at applications that require verification such as ones
for local services such as our paratransit program, applications from other
local libraries, and the one from the Braille and Talking Book Library.
Please feel free to forward any of your applications to me; they might help
clarify.

We are not interested in making disabled users jump through more hoops, but
we do want to ensure that they have access to computers that serve their
needs for adjustable tables, accessible software, and more time to work.
We also want to weed out any people who should not be using the specially
equipped computers; that is, for example, people who are not disabled who
simply want to get more time on the computer.


(2) Specifically, because of the scarcity of computers in our libraries, we
are considering having some computers set aside specifically for use by
disabled users.  We also recognize that computers standing idle and
'waiting' for disabled users may not be a good idea in terms of the scarcity
issue.

We are looking at compromise scenarios that allow use of the computers until
disabled users need them or reserve them  ―- we have a reservation system in
place.  For example, we could alternate use of these computers between
disabled patrons and 15-minute users (Express users).

We are also looking into allowing more time on other than these specific
computers for those users who need more time (our biggest request so far for
accommodation).  Unfortunately, the reservation software programs do not
seem to allow alternating different user types on one computer; that is,
alternating from a one-hour user to a two-hour user and back again.

Any suggestions on how to set up and implement a system of computer use that
provides accommodations and access without letting computers sit idle would
be greatly appreciated.

Please feel free to answer me directly, or post to the list if others are
interested in this topic.

Alan Bern, Special Services
Berkeley Public Library
2090 Kittredge Street
Berkeley,  CA  94704
510-981-6121 (phone)
510-981-6111 (fax)
510-548-1240 (TTY)
[log in to unmask]