Assistive technologies in libraries and the classroom
| Pages | 22-23 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LHTN-10-2017-0072 |
| Published date | 04 December 2017 |
| Date | 04 December 2017 |
| Author | Adetoun A. Oyelude |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library technology,Library & information services |
Assistive technologies in libraries and
the classroom
Adetoun A. Oyelude
Broadly speaking, assistive technology
(AT) is any device, equipment or system
that helps an individual to perform tasks
that would otherwise be difficult or near
impossible to do. The Wikipedia (2017)
describes it as “an umbrella term that
includes assistive, adaptive, and
rehabilitative devices for people with
disabilities and also includes the process
used in selecting, locating, and using them”.
Assistive Technology Industry Association
(ATIA) describes AT simply as “products,
equipment, and systems that enhance
learning, working, and daily living for
persons with disabilities” (www.atia.org/at-
resources/what-is-at/#what-is-assistive-
technology). The term adaptive technology
is sometimes used synonymously with
assistive technology; however, they are
different. AT refers to items used to
“increase, maintain, or improve functional
capabilities of individuals with disabilities”,
while adaptive technology covers items that
are specifically designed for persons with
disabilities, which would seldom be used
by non-disabled persons. Adaptive
technology is a part of AT which help these
individuals move, communicate and
control their surrounding environment. The
adaptive technologies include augmentative
and alternative communication devices
(speech-generating devices), power
wheelchairs and environmental control
systems (canes, lever knobs and so on).
Assistive technologies in libraries
In libraries, assistive services include
adjustable workstations, alternative
keyboards and mice, CCTV magnifiers,
reachers/grabbers, Reading Edge Text to
Speech and a walker and wheelchair to
get around the building. Other examples
of assistive technologies that can be
found in the library are Screen Reading
Software, Kurzweil 3000, Magnification
Equipment, that is, ZoomText screen
magnification software and also some
like JAWS, a software that reads screen
aloud; Dragon Naturally Speaking, which
allows voice input and output for
hands-free navigation; and OpenBook
8.0, which is used to convert
graphic-based printed text to electronic
text, using character recognition and
speech-to-text functions. Some more like
MagicCursor, Screen Doors, Dwell
Clicker 2, Word Q and Speak Q, WYNN
Wizard, TrackerPro, Interpretype
machine for the hearing impaired can
also be used in libraries.
Special collections in libraries include
large print, braille and digital talking books
(see: www.lbpl.org/disabilitieservices/
default.asp).
ATs in libraries could be as engaging
as a water fountain, that is environment-
and disability-friendly, and were acquired
by Middlebury College. This fountain is
unique in allowing mobility to disabled
persons to get drinking water easily in the
library. More can be found on this at:
http://sites.middlebury.edu/lis/2017/03/
28/new-library-water-fountain-helps-the-
environment-and-those-with-disabilities/
Many libraries not only provide
assistive services but also take the
time to ensure that such services are
advertised or made known widely. Lane
Community College Library in Oregon,
USA, for example, has the following
ATs available, and they put it on their
website with this phrase: “Currently,
the Library has the following assistive
technologies:
●Text and image magnifier, located
near the research help desk on the
first floor of the Library.
●Adjustable computer stations,
located near the research help desk
(the Reference Desk) on the first
floor of the Library.
●Adjustable standing computer
stations, located near the media
creation lab on the Library’s first
floor” (https://library.lanecc.edu/
services/assistivetech).
New types of ATs are emerging since the
advent of the digital age and increasingly
more sections of the populace are being
taken care of and are also applicable by
libraries. Wearables are used by senior
citizens in two main platforms –
smartwatches and virtual reality. These are
ATs that have advanced and helped them
avoid the stigma of wearing medical alert
bracelets or necklaces and also connected
with far-off environments they cannot visit,
also stimulating their brains in relating to
different virtual environments. Read more
at: https://insights.samsung.com/2017/09/
21/2-types-of-assistive-technology-saving-
senior-independence/
In a similar report by Vjoa Isai of
star.com news, on September 23, 2017,
a new wearable device, electronic
glasses which can assist persons with
visual disabilities or even persons
legally blind, to see, was introduced
(www.thestar.com/news/gta/2017/09/23/
wearable-assistive-technology-will-hit-
the-runway-at-invictus-showcase.html?
google_editors_picks⫽true).
These technologies can be used in
libraries and in classrooms worldwide.
The University of Witwatersrand, South
Africa, provides a comprehensive list of
resources for those that are blind or
visually impaired on its website. (http://
libguides.wits.ac.za/c.php?g⫽145327&
p⫽952356http://libguides.wits.ac.za/c.
php?g⫽145327&p⫽952356).
The Accessible Books Consortium
(ABC) is a private/public partnership led
by the World Intellectual Property
Organization (WIPO). It includes
organizations that represent people with
print disabilities such as the World Blind
Union (WBU); libraries for the blind;
standards bodies; and organizations
representing authors, publishers and
collective management organizations.
LIBRARY HITECH NEWS Number 10 2017, pp. 22-23, © Emerald Publishing Limited, 0741-9058, DOI 10.1108/LHTN-10-2017-007222
To continue reading
Request your trial