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Even before the Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) system was identified to pilot the Library Technology Access (LTA) initiative with HP, deputy city librarian Paula Kiely and her colleagues were already seeking more ways to partner with community organizations that serve people with disabilities. This resolve to work closely with these advocate organizations has been a key to the success of the LTA initiative in Milwaukee.
The library system has cultivated strong partnerships with The Badger Association of the Blind, Independence First and the Milwaukee Public Schools. MPL used these partnerships to determine the information access needs of the organizations' constituents, and to plan the desired configurations of the LTA workstations.
"We already had existing partnerships in the city with groups that have been established to serve people with disabilities," says Ms. Kiely. "They can provide transportation and in-depth computer training - services the library isn't equipped to provide. The LTA project only encouraged us to work more strongly with our partners so we could coordinate their services with library resources."
The Badger Association of the Blind provides training on assistive technology (AT) to their constituency. "While the library offers basic computer classes, we don't have the resources to provide the one-on-one training some people may need. Our partners may spend up to 40 hours training a single person. If patrons need this level of assistance we make referrals," says Ms. Kiely. In return, the association refers its members to the Milwaukee Public Library to use the versatile HP workstations, one of which has been optimized for use by people with blindness or low vision. What's more, the association helped to train the library staff in the use of the assistive technology, making it easier for the librarians to help patrons with vision impairments.
Independence First serves people with all kinds of disabilities, including mobility, cognitive and learning disabilities. This organization has a training lab with equipment similar to that which is in the library. Like the Badger Association, Independence First teaches its members how to use assistive technology, and then refers the members to the library for ongoing use of such equipment. This brings new users into the library.
A third partner for the library is the Milwaukee Public School District. Under a Library Services and Technology Act grant program called "Learning for All," the library worked closely with the district to improve library services to youths with disabilities. The schools can refer students and their parents to the public library, knowing that the LTA workstations can accommodate many student needs. Moreover, the supervisor of the district's school librarians and the assistive technology manager participated in the AT training held for the public library's staff, giving them the insight on what facilities are available to students.
"These partnerships are so important to us," says Ms. Kiely. "We help each other so much through our referrals. Because our partners promote the library's facilities, we are seeing good usage of our accessible workstations."
MPL has marketed the workstations in ways beyond working with the community outreach groups. The library issued a press release, and it has contacted patrons directly to let them know what's available and the accommodations that can be made for people with special needs. A bookmark and brochure were produced and mailed to members of local disability advocacy groups. The brochure is available in print and Braille. The library's web site provides details as well. The Wisconsin Library Association's annual conference in Milwaukee includes an assistive technology fair in late 2003. Ms. Kiely says they will demonstrate and promote the LTA equipment when other librarians come to town.
Anyone visiting the library can quickly see what assistive technology is available. "We find that people will try new things if they see it out in the open, so we located the workstations in our main reading room" says Ms. Kiely. "We've also developed a visual inventory of the special equipment so patrons can quickly choose the pieces they need."
The library requests that users of these computers fill out an evaluation form after using the workstations. While most people typically comment on their appreciation for the assistive technology, one patron - a spinal chord patient with severe chronic pain - sang the praises of the adjustable table: "Thank you for finally getting adjustable height computer stations for us. I also really like the larger keyboard letters. I finally didn't have to take off my glasses to use the computer. My whole body thanks you!"
Forty public service staff members were trained on the hardware and software so they can answer questions and help patrons get started. A committee of six librarians coordinated the training and the marketing efforts. The willingness and enthusiasm of this core team of people drives the success of providing computers to people with special needs. "I have to credit the staff that has worked hard to bring it all together," says Ms. Kiely. "We're excited to be able to reach so many more people now."
For more information about the Milwaukee Public Library, please visit http://www.mpl.org.
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