Library Inclusion for Everyone

The A.J. Pappanikou Center for Developmental Disabilities worked with the Connecticut State Library System and the Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities to develop an exciting assistive technology program called Library Inclusion for Everyone. This project was made possible through a grant from the Connecticut Department of Social Services, Tech Act Project to increase access for persons with disabilities to all Connecticut libraries.

Many of the everyday functions and resources in today's libraries are procured by using computers. The major focus of LIFE was to ensure adequate and appropriate communication access as well as physical access to libraries for people with disabilities. As part of this, LIFE educated librarians on alternative formats, such as magnification systems, Braille, large-print text, text-to-speech systems, and alternate computer access systems and workstations. A few basic provisions of library accessibility that were covered by LIFE include:

• Adequate accessible parking near entrances.
• Thirty-six inch aisles between book stacks and tables.
• Accessible workstations and desk areas.
• Workshops/trainings in accessible locations.
• The provision of services, such as sign language interpretation.

Publications

For publications regarding this project, please contact:

Gabriela Freyre-Calish, M.S.W.
University of Connecticut
Center for Developmental Disabilities
263 Farmington Ave.
Farmington, CT 06030

860.679.1563

freyre@nso2.uchc.edu

Contact

Kathleen Whitbread, Ph.D.
University of Connecticut
Center for Developmental Disabilities
263 Farmington Ave.
Farmington, CT 06030

Phone: 860-679-65
Fax: 860-679-1571

Email: whitbread@nso1.uchc.edu