Student Services

Background

My name is Rick and I am legally blind. I use Braille or a screen reader on a computer to access printed or electronic information. This quarter, one of my sociology courses has a number of required articles on electronic library reserve.

Access Issue

When I opened the electronic documents, my screen reader could not read them. The format was incompatible with my screen reading software, and I was therefore unable to access the library reserve articles.

In an effort to improve the accessibility of University of Washington (UW) online courses and websites, several campus organizations including DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology), C&C Project Consulting, the UW Access Technology Center, and the UW Educational Outreach program, formed a user support group, AccessibleWeb@U.

Libraries can take steps to make their facilities, resources, and services accessible to patrons with disabilities. Below are some of the questions that should be addressed in order to ensure facility access.

Background

My name is Shannon. I have Spina Bifida, a mobility impairment, and use a wheelchair for mobility. My coursework in elementary education requires frequent use of the library to conduct literature reviews of children's books and research to create classroom projects.

Internet-based electronic discussion lists provide opportunities for collaboration with librarians and other colleagues about accessibility issues.

In the ADAPT-L listserv group, librarians discuss assistive technology for making electronic resources accessible to all patrons. To join, send email to listserv@american.edu with no subject but one line of text: "subscribe adapt-l Firstname Lastname".

Background

Susan is a sophomore who is blind. She has joined several campus organizations and would also like to join the equestrian team.

Access Issue

The advisor and trainer of the equestrian team called the disabled student services director to discuss whether this student should join the team. She was concerned about how Susan could handle this type of activity, as well as the liability of the university if she had an accident.

Many employers are aware of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are interested in employing students with disabilities. Career counselors, cooperative education staff, and internship coordinators can work with employers to make successful placements for students with disabilities. The following suggestions may assist you in working with employers as you place students with disabilities:

Student services organizations often host presentations, career fairs/exhibits, and interviews between students and employers. These activities should be designed so that they are accessible to all students, including students with disabilities. Provide them in a wheelchair-accessible location with accessible restrooms nearby.

You can create a more accessible campus tour by incorporating the following suggestions into your tour plans:

The content of library materials should be accessible to all patrons, including those with disabilities. It is best if printed research resources are available in a variety of formats (e.g., Braille, audio, tactile graphics, large print, electronic text). A system for enlarging print, such as a closed-circuit TV or other camera system or a large magnifying glass, can be of use to someone with low vision.