Hello Rose,

At the University of New Hampshire, we use a variety of assistive
technologies (although we do not have as much as I wish we did).  We have
ZoomText for screen magnification, JAWS for screen reading, Reading
AdvantEdge (soon to switch over to Kurzweil) for document
scanning/reading, a braille embosser, Dragon Naturally Speaking for hands
free composition, and an Optelec ClearView was just donated to replace
our very old CCTV.  All of our assistive technologies sit on height adjustable
tables.  And I'm hoping that we will soon be acquiring at least one TDD.

As I'm new to my position at the University here, I'm not sure of the
myriad of financial resources used to acquire new technologies.  Some
items are donated (such as the ClearView and the braille embosser), some
are acquired through our own budget, and some items have been acquired
through grants.

As for challenges, they come and go as we learn more about assistive
technology and how it fits in with our community of learners.  In my
experience here, the greatest challenge so far has been acquiring enough
technology (or even the correct technology) to assist the greatest variety
of disabilities.  I am finding that, especially due to extreme budgetary
constraints, it is seemingly impossible for any one library to acquire
every piece of assistive technology to satisfy every case.  Libraries,
being what they are, will never have THAT much money.  And then there's
the challenge of security, but most libraries already know what security
challenges can be like.

And as for suggestions for those libraries just beginning to integrate
assistive technologies into their services: keep at it!  I can't stress
enough how important it is for every library to become an advocate for
assistive technology and disability awareness.

Heather L. Gagnon
Dimond Library
University of New Hampshire

On Tue, 23 Jul 2002, Nelson, Rose wrote:

> Hello All,
>
>
> I am preparing a presentation on assitive technology in libraries.  One of
> the topics I would like to address is how libraries are acquiring and using
> assistive technology and what are some of the issues/challenges in making
> services available to those with disabilities.  I was hoping that you might
> be able to help me by answering the following questions.
>
> What types of adaptive technology is your library using?  (you can just list
> the general types of items like screen reading software, voice recognition
> software, etc....
> What are some of the challenges you have with assistive technology?
> (examples might be lack of use, costs of equipment, PR, etc...)
> How were you able to budget for this type of technology?  (examples might
> include grants, line item in budget, part of tech budget, leveraging of
> other funds--e-rate)
> What suggestions would you give other libraries that are in the process of
> integrating assistive technology into their exsisting services?
>
> It would be great if I could get responses by August 2nd.  I realize this is
> short notice, so whatever you can contribute is wonderful!
>
> Thanks in advance!
>
> Rose
>
>
> Rose Nelson
> Technology Consultant
> Colorado State Library
> Colorado Department of Education
> 201 E. Colfax Ave.
> Denver, CO  80203
> (303)-866-6946
> (303)-866-6940 fax
>
>
>