Alan,

One word of caution or one paragraph from the voice of experience,  we
cannot keep mixed use Access Technology workstation in repair.  In other
words, sighted users tend to trash machines for the visually impaired.  So,
event though it hurts to see machines idle, we reserve the ATWs for their
intended users.  We try to explain that just as with handicapped parking, it
needs to be there when needed and that means that in this case only those
who need screen enlarging, talking computers etc get to use those machines.

I'd like to hear more about your experience.

Allathea Joniec
Access Technology Project Manager
Free Library of Philadelphia
215 906 3973


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Alan Bern [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Friday, February 07, 2003 7:51 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]
>