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When Hewlett-Packard (HP) and the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) conceived the idea of the Library Technology Access (LTA) initiative, they thought in terms of the complete turn-key solution, not just the hardware and software components. Through this initiative, six libraries throughout the United States were chosen to pilot a set of standard workstations that are designed to meet a range of needs for people with physical and cognitive or learning disabilities. While library patrons are primarily drawn to the assistive hardware and software technologies of the workstations, a special and very helpful feature of the units is the furniture that supports the assistive technologies. Components of the furniture include an electrically adjustable work surface, an adjustable flatscreen monitor arm and keyboard support, and an ergonomic task chair.
Workstation ergonomics are important for any computer user, but are especially critical for people with disabilities that may limit motor functions or cause discomfort in other ways. Thus, HP turned to Steelcase, Inc., the global leader in office furniture and workplace knowledge, to provide the right furniture mix for the LTA initiative. The furniture components of the LTA workstations allow patrons to adjust the work surfaces and equipment to provide maximum comfort and usability. For example, the table surface can be raised or lowered easily to accommodate a wheelchair at the desk, and the monitor can be placed where it is easiest to view.
The Milwaukee Public Library is one of the participants in the first phase of the LTA initiative. The library requests that users of the special HP 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. My whole body thanks you!”
Kathleen Olsen is director of the I CAN! Center at the San Diego Public Library, another participant in the program. Ms. Olsen gets excited thinking about how the “little things” have made a difference in her patrons’ lives. She says the Steelcase adjustable tables have caused quite a stir among patrons because people can position them exactly how they need them. “People can work comfortably now,” she says. This is important for people who may spend hours in front of the computer.
Ron Martere is a global account manager with Steelcase. Mr. Martere worked closely with representatives from TransAccess, the technology systems integrator, to ensure that the computer hardware and software would fit and work properly on the Steelcase work surfaces. “TransAccess brought their equipment over to the Steelcase Worklife Center, and we built the desk concept together. We gave careful thought to what would be needed by people with disabilities.” The results show in the highly adjustable and truly ergonomic desk components that the library patrons appreciate so much.
In addition to the desk surface and chair, Steelcase provides lighting and storage components for the LTA workstations. The secure storage unit can hold all the special peripherals such as keyboards and joysticks that are part of the standard LTA configuration when they are not in use.
For more information about Steelcase and its highly functional work surface products, please visit the Steelcase Web site.
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