Assistive technology is any hardware or software device that disabled people use to help them with everyday life. When we talk about assistive technology in libraries we are primarily concerned with technology that assists the user to access information and conduct study. It is a legal requirement that people with disabilities have equal access to public services such as libraries, and assistive technology is a very useful tool in meeting these requirements. Assistive technology does not have to be expensive. Check out this list of free software available from the internet http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/bodley/services/disability/resources/assistive_technology/software
For the visually impaired, one of the main benefits of electronic information is that it can be read by text recognition software, patrons do not have to wait until a librarian or aide becomes available to read to them and therefore they have greater control over their own research. Those with physical disabilities, such as motor control, can take advantage of voice recognition software which replaces manual typing to turn speech into text. There are also software programs such as TextHELP available for patrons with dyslexia.
Librarians who purchase electronic equipment or design electronic interfaces must take into consideration the requirement to accommodate people with disabilities in addition to many other purchasing factors. As technology continues to advance rapidly, library staff struggling to keep up will also struggle to keep up with advancements in assistive technology. Although libraries, like other public institutions, do their best to comply with legal requirements, I do feel that they often fall short in serving disabled patrons. Staff attitudes can help address the situation as a willingness to help can often reduce frustrations. Staff training is vital in servicing those with disabilities, and there is a lot of room for improvement in this area.
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