In the October 2010 American Libraries, Barbara T. Mates presented some ways for libraries to help disabled persons gain access to information via assistive technologies. In her article, “Assistive Technologies”, Mates wrote “Approximately half of this country’s disabled workforce is unemployed, and higher education for many disabled individuals is still just a dream.” In part, the reason for this is that assistive technologies to accommodate disabled individuals are expensive.
What if disabled people had access to assistive technologies such as screen readers and accessible work stations at their local public library? Screen readers enable people with cognitive disorders, learning disabilities, and visual impairments to use computers by reading the information on the screen aloud. Additionally, screen-enlarging software gives people with low-vision the ability to change the screen size and background colors to suit their needs. Accessible workstations may include an adjustable table; a monitor with a movable arm to adjust the display; a monitor with a 20 or larger screen for enlarged text; oversize and/or smaller keyboards for persons with dexterity and movement limitations; and a larger mouse with larger buttons for senior users and persons with cognitive disabilities. Some very simple adjustments can allow disabled individuals to access the information they need on their own.
By providing access to these technologies, libraries could be opening doors to information and opportunities that disabled individuals would not otherwise be able to obtain.