LT 130 - Assistive Technology

I added a translate gadget. It can be found on the top left of the blog.  With the translate gadget, visitors to the blog can select their preferred language from the drop-down menu, and  it will display posts in any of the 50+ languages supported.

 There is a new gadget in town on the blog! Please note that there is contact form now available for blog readers. Unlike a comment on a specific post, the contact form can be used in case readers have an additional question for one of the site contributors, or if they perhaps would like to make a suggestion for a type of assistive technology post they would like us to cover.  The Contact Form gadget is on the left hand drop-down panel, beneath the list of blog contributors.

  What is the Digital Divide?   The definition of digital divide has continually evolved over the years. At its most basic, the term digital divide refers to the gap between those able to benefit from the digital age and those who are not. The high cost of computers creates a barrier between those who can and cannot afford one – and in turn creates a barrier to all the advantages that come with owning one. But it is more than that. The digital divide also includes the ability to make full use of the technology available, taking into consideration access, or lack of access, to the internet.  (What is the Digital Divide? 2019) These technologies give us opportunities to join online communities, gain knowledge, learn skills, and find employment, making lack of access for certain groups of people an important issue. How Does it Affect People With Disabilities?   The gap between those who do and do not have access to technology devices and high-speed internet is even further divide

Mobile Apps “In 2009, there were 4.6 billion active cellular subscriptions in the world and 250 million wireless data-capable devices in use in the U.S. Any one of these is a potential destination for public library information targeted at mobile users.” (Baumann ALA Report: Libraries Gear up for Mobile.)   Because people everywhere can quickly and easily connect to the internet on their mobile devices, mobile apps are more popular than ever, and these mobile apps can extend the library’s services outside their physical borders. Functions a library mobile app can offer: library catalogue interactive library guides library virtual tour an interactive calendar with all the library’s events the possibility to loan and read electronic books and articles the possibility to reserve the library’s resources or to pay for some services  All of these are beneficial for library patrons but to take it one step further, the library can add other available mobile apps to the librar

Assistive Technology Libraries and the Digital Divide Libraries Help Disabled Patrons Close the Digital Divide  - Marta Bachynsky   What is the Digital Divide? The Digital Divide is the gap that separates people who have access to the tools of information technology and communication, as well as the knowledge those services provide from people who don’t have such access or skills (Cullen, 2001). There are many communities that are affected by the Digital Divide, such as those with low literacy levels, the unemployed, those with low literacy levels, etc. One of the communities close to my heart that the Digital Divide has a great effect on is people with disabilities. This includes physical disabilities such as visual or hearing impairment, mobility issues, and cognitive impairments such as dyslexia or autism spectrum disorder. According to CDC, there are 61 million adults in America with some form of physical or cognitive disability, and the number is growing as the population ages (

  For libraries to be inclusive spaces for  all  members of a community it is important that they offer assistive technology. ALA Library Services for People with Disabilities Policy The American Library Association policy on accessibility states the following. “ALA, through its divisions, offices and units and through collaborations with outside associations and agencies is dedicated to eradicating inequities and improving attitudes toward and services and opportunities for people with disabilities. ” What is Assistive Technology?   According to the Assistive Technology Industry Association it is any item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities. AT can be low-tech: communication boards made of cardboard or fuzzy felt. AT can be high-tech: special-purpose computers. AT can be hardware: prosthetics, mounting systems, and positionin