Dear List,
I agree with Ellen.
I am legally blind and a user of an accessible workstation in my library. I
think that it is of utmost importance that workstations are out in the open
(with appropriate signage) so that ALL patrons will see what the library has
to offer.
So many people with disabilities are unaware of the wonderful technology
that is available to help them. I have encountered numerous patrons who
have given up their jobs or have isolated themselves in their homes, because
they felt that there was nothing left for them.
The knowledge that there is apiece of equipment or software that will allow
someone to live an independent and productive life is priceless. So many
times it is a family member or friend who finds out "by accident" that there
is something for their friend or loved one. The library is a prime location
for this type of discovery.
I work with 56 public libraries in my county to ensure accessibility. To
make sure that none of the technology is hidden in the closet. It is a
wonderful adventure to educate people about the need for accessibility.
People want to know, and it is my job to teach them. And, if the tools of
independence and productivity are openly displayed, it will teach others.
Valerie Lewis
Administrator of Outreach Services
Suffolk Cooperative Library System
-----Original Message-----
From: Library Access -- http://www.rit.edu/~easi
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Ellen Perlow
Sent: Saturday, February 08, 2003 3:20 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Accessible workstations in libraries
Dear List members:
Re the query posed on the list concerning guidelines for access to
accessible workstations in [public] libraries:
As one of the "authorized" users of a library's accessible workstation (that
I currently am using to type this message), I would very much like to see a
sign at the workstation that reads:
ACCESSIBLE WORKSTATION
Patrons who need access to this workstation have first [top] priority.
For assistance, please contact the information desk.
When I have to do work on a computer in the library, I do need the
workstation. Likewise, I defer access to another patron who arrives at the
workstation before me. However, when I - or any other individual authorized
to use the workstation - does NOT need to use a library computer, it is my
strong preference that other patrons use and become familiar with the
workstation, the more people, the better. The more people who know about
this workstation, about accessibility and assistive technology, the better.
Why? The more people who use and know about this workstation, the less
likely that the workstation again will mysteriously disappear into an
inaccessible room in the basement, as it did one day last year (because it
was erroneously believed that hardly anyone used it).
The more people who understand that accessibility is about everyone, that
everyone does things differently, and using assistive technology is just
that: doing things differently, the more that we who self-identify as
members of the class will be accepted into society as the real people whom
we really are.
Then again, is there anyone on this planet who does not benefit from
accessibility and assistive technology? Has anyone used an elevator lately,
or paper clips, or a cell phone, or an audiobook, or more easily read a
document in 16-point, rather than 8-point print, or .... ?
Virtually everyone joins the crowd sooner or later.
-----------------------
Ellen Perlow
Member of the Class (lifetime)
[log in to unmask]
Next ASCLA Century Scholarship Deadline March 1, 2003.
See: http://www.ala.org/ascla/centuryscholarship.html
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