Assistive Technology & Libraries By: Laura Berkey

 


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 positioning devices.
  • AT can be computer hardware: special switches, keyboards, and pointing devices.
  • AT can be computer software: screen readers and communication programs.
  • AT can be inclusive or specialized learning materials and curriculum aids.
  • AT can be specialized curricular software.
  • AT can be much more—electronic devices, wheelchairs, walkers, braces, educational software, power lifts, pencil holders, eye-gaze and head trackers, and much more.

Assistive technology helps people who have difficulty speaking, typing, writing, remembering, pointing, seeing, hearing, learning, walking, and many other things. Different disabilities require different assistive technologies.

Making the Right Decisions about Assistive Technology

Understanding what technologies to provide can be a challenge. Some important considerations when deciding which assistive technologies to incorporate and which services to provide are to be aware of why people with disabilities might use different technologies and understand how to help them access and use them so that you can support people with disabilities directly in using assistive technology when needed.  


References 

“ATIA.” Assistive Technology Industry Association, www.atia.org/.
 Guder, C. S., & Booth, C. (2012). Making the Right Decisions about Assistive Technology in Your Library. Library Technology Reports, 48(7), 14–21.

http://www.ala.org/asgcla/resources/libraryservices (Accessed April 29, 2021)
Document ID: d68b681e-3742-a234-9510-034dadaf56bb

"Library Services for People with Disabilities Policy", American Library Association, December 4, 2006.

Comments

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