Assistive and Adaptive Technology

Until this past summer I had never given much thought to adaptations for Disabled persons. This past summer my mother became disabled, and my whole concept of how this world needs to be accessable to ALL people was broadened. The library is no different than the grocery store, mall, or school; it needs to be adapted for those who need extra help. The library can offer several adaptations for those with diabilities. Often computers can make life easier for those with disabilities, unless you are blind or have eyesight issues. In addtion to books on tape/cd/mp3, the library can offer screen maginifiers and screen reading software. The screen reading software can read the text in voices and different speeds. For those who have coordination or motor skill troubles the library can offer touchpads or trackballs which are easier to use than a mouse. Many patrons also experience difficulty hearing and the library can help them also. Libraries can use virtual reference or librarians to communincate, nowadays this is taking the place of TTY equipment. Besides meeting the needs for physical disablilities, the library can help meet the needs of economic disabilities. The offering of free computer use and internet connection is huge, especially since our world seems more technology driven then ever. I think the library can use adaptive techonology is many ways, all the ways add up to a better quality of library use for those in need.