Mollie Pherson, LSTA Project Librarian

On my final day of PLA, I attended an amazing session called No Grant Needed!  Cheap and Easy Accommodations for People with Disabilities.  Again, I say this program was truly amazing!  Lots of great ideas were presented…stuff I had never even thought about before!  The presenters talked about creating a One Book One Community program.  In Rochester, we had a successful program a few months ago with Three Cups of Tea, but I’m curious to know if everyone was able to access the title.  The speakers said if a community is ever planning a One Book session, we need to make sure the title is offered in the NLS talking books format, there needs to be multiple copies in large print, and lots of audio formats.  That way, everyone can participate in the program.  Here are some other ways to make programs accessible:

• Large print directions
• Labeling food

These simple accommodations make a huge difference.  There are lots of people who don’t know about services for people with disabilities, so marketing is critical (in lots of formats).  Here are some low tech solutions for your library that will make a huge impact:

• Handheld magnifiers (around $15 a piece)

• Large type keyboard labels (around $10 a set)

• Signature and Reading guides (around $1.50 a piece)

• Large type rulers

• Magnifier bookmarks

• Black “bold write” pens for note-taking, writing down call numbers

• Clipboards

• Book stands (especially for heavy books)

• Color overlays

• Call number slips with shaded columns

• Rollators to help maneuver the library

• Velcro to secure keyboards to table

One library keeps a little tub at the checkout desk with some of these supplies in it—that way, the staff is able to offer help right away.

Signage is so important at a public library.  One of the presenters received LSTA funds to create pictograms for Dewey numbers.  These pictures located on the shelving units and located in the stacks have not only helped folks with disabilities but people who don’t know English and small children who can’t read yet.  You can get a free downloadable copy of the pictograms to use in your library at www.libraryliteracy.org/resources/differences/dewey.html

 Two facts I learned:

• Most seniors like white letters with black background

• 17% of the population is suffering from a disability (both permanent and temporary)

I learned WAY more than I can even post!  What a wonderful program and an excellent way to end PLA!