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Barbara Mates heads the Cleveland Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped, part of the Cleveland Public Library system. Ms. Mates was looking for a way to bring better access to information to persons who are blind, deaf or physically impaired when her library was selected to participate in HP’s Library Technology Access (LTA) initiative.
“We’re very excited about our new LTA workstations,” says Ms. Mates. “Now that we have them in place, we are able to reach further into our community and show people of all abilities that they can access all sorts of information using computer technology.”
Through the LTA initiative, HP installed two Compaq Evo desktop PCs configured with appropriate assistive technology to help people with a variety of disabilities. One of the workstations is designed for use by people who are blind or have low vision. It is configured with software that can enlarge or enhance the screen, and convert on-screen or document-based text to speech.
“Our workstation for people with visual problems is used regularly,” says Ms. Mates. “For instance, we have one patron who comes in every Friday to surf the Internet. People are thrilled to know that the PC can help them ‘read,’ even if they cannot see clearly.”
Patrons can use JAWS for Windows software from Freedom Scientific to convert text into speech, or ZoomText Xtra from Ai Squared to enlarge the image on the screen. OpenBook software from Freedom Scientific works with an HP scanner to convert printed text to spoken words. A variety of specialized keyboards and other input devices help people to operate the Compaq Evo PC.
The second of the workstations is configured to help people with cognitive or physical disabilities. This workstation features a variety of special keyboards and pointing devices for alternative means of communicating with the computer. For example, the Tracker 2000 from Madentec allows a user to move the cursor on the computer by moving his head, which has been outfitted with a small tracker dot worn on the forehead or glasses. “This device would be especially helpful for a quadriplegic with very limited mobility,” says Ms. Mates.
Each adaptive workstation has been set up on an accessible, motorized desktop, where the table height and monitor position can be adjusted to accommodate a wide variety of special needs. This is important, as comfort is a key to the successful use of the equipment.
When it comes to serving library patrons with disabilities, installing the equipment in the library is only part of the story. The other essential part is creating awareness and demand, and showing people how to use the specialty workstations.
“We are spreading the word about the facilities to the outreach agencies in our city,” says Ms. Mates. “United Cerebral Palsy of Cleveland brings people in to the library and helps them use the equipment. They plan to use it as part of their regular training program for people in our community.” Ms. Mates says they are trying to increase awareness of the facilities so that many more people can benefit from what’s there. “We want to see a patronage which truly reflects Cleveland’s diversity,” she adds.
Once the equipment was deployed, HP’s LTA partner TransAccess provided training to the library staff, which in turn now helps the patrons. The Cleveland Public Library is fortunate to have an Adaptive Technology Librarian on staff, plus a retired librarian who is willing and able to train patrons whenever needed. In addition, there are tutorials, books and orientation guides to show how to use the workstations.
“People are totally amazed by it all. We like to demonstrate the equipment so people can see what’s possible. Even if someone doesn’t need the assistive technology, just seeing it is a cultural experience that gets passed along to others,” according to Ms. Mates. She and her staff have been providing demonstrations for other libraries as well as for library patrons. “We show people what’s available, and then some of them buy it for themselves. There’s no pressure from a sales person, and a user can gain confidence before committing to the equipment.”
“We are delighted to have been chosen by HP to participate in this program,” says Ms. Mates. “We have been able to make people aware that there are no limitations on getting access to information. Once you see it, you know what you can do.”
For more information about the LTA initiative in action, visit the web site for the Cleveland Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped at http://lbph.cpl.org/.
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