ASSISTIVE SERVICES

The following list of questions outlines the special services that the Library provides for patrons who have physical and sensory disabilities.

Assistive Services - Frequently Asked Questions

Is the library wheelchair accessible?

Yes! The Washington County Public Library System is wheelchair accessible at the main and all branch libraries.

How can I contact the Library for more information if I have a hearing impairment?

• Each Washington County Public Library location is equipped with a TTY. The TTY number is (276) 676-6303.
• In addition, you may contact the Outreach Coordinator by e-mail at jlohman@wcpl.net.

Is  the TTY available for public access at the Library?

• The Library provides courtesy TTY service for local calls at the main and all branch libraries.

Is there a computer station that can be adapted to the height of my wheelchair?

• The assistive computer is located on a Mayline adjustable workstation with an electronic switch. Keyboard height can be adjusted independently with a lever.

How can I operate the computer?

• The computer hardware includes a scanner, large screen monitor, oversized keyboard, touch pad, mouse, earphones/microphone, and printer.
• Various software packages allow the user to customize computer operation with voice-activated commands. Information can be displayed and enlarged on the monitor, printed, or delivered as audio output.

What kind of work can I do at the assistive technology computer?

• The computer is equipped with various Microsoft applications for word processing, publishing, database management, Internet browsing, and Web-based e-mail.

How is the computer adapted to the needs of someone with a sensory disability?

Several software applications are installed to adapt information input and output to the needs of  the  user.

• ZoomText 9.1 is a powerful computer access solution designed for the visually impaired. Consisting of two adaptive technologies—screen magnification and screen reading— ZoomText allows you to see and hear everything on the computer screen, providing complete access to applications, documents, e-mail and the Internet..
• Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9.0 is the premier product for large vocabulary continuous recognition of natural speech. With Dragon NaturallySpeaking, you can create documents quickly and easily without being slowed by typing on your keyboard. You can dictate, rather than type, into any program that accepts text. Dragon NaturallySpeaking recognizes natural and continuous speech and converts it to text on the screen.

Will the assistive computer be able  to read information found on the Internet and deliver it in a audio format?

• ZoomText9 allows the user to see and hear everything on the computer screen, providing complete access to applications, documents, e-mail and the Internet..

Does the Library provide any assistance for people with hearing impairments for meetings in the Library's meeting room? It is difficult for me to hear many public presentations.

• The Library and many community organizations use the Meeting Room for programs. Any group that uses the room may also use a Library computer, IBM Via Voice software and an LCD projector package to create and display a simultaneous closed captioned text of the presentation onto a screen in the room.
• The use of this equipment requires training. If you would like for the Library staff to demonstrate the assistive equipment to a group who may benefit from these services, contact the Reference Department, phone (276) 676-6298 or e-mail refdesk@wcpl.net.

What other Library services are available for people with disabilities?

• The Library has a collection of books on tape and some large print fiction and non-fiction books.
• WCPL offers a Homebound Books by Mail service to persons who meet the criteria for homebound delivery. Through this program persons who cannot easily access the library and its resources may receive materials by mail directly to their residence after meeting the eligibility criteria. Some examples of resources available include books, both large print and standard, music on compact disk or cassette, books on CD or cassette and craft pamphlets.
• In addition to printed material, the Library has an extensive collection of closed-captioned videos.
• Full page hand-held magnifiers are available for in-library use by request at the Circulation Desk.
• The Main Library has on loan from the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired an Aladdin Personal Reader.  This unit functions as a Closed-Circuit TV magnifier with additional capabilities.  It enables the user to magnify documents, as well as provide contrasting color modes for visual-perceptual benefits.  A mobile platform for placement of materials is provided allowing movement for continuous flow while reading. This unit is available for in-library use only.

I have a visual impairment.  How can I arrange for Talking Books to be mailed to me at home?

• Talking Books can be mailed to you at your  residence. Contact the Virginia Library for the visually and Physically Handicapped, 395 Azalea Avenue, Richmond, VA 23227-3623, phone (800) 552-7015. Talking Book applications are available at all Washington County Public Library locations.

How much assistance can I expect from the Library staff?

• Some assistive technology requires that the user be trained. Staff will not be available for training purposes, but will be available to troubleshoot problems encountered while using assistive technology.

Contact us for more information about these services or to make suggestions for ways we can improve these special services.

Assistive technology services are provided by grants from the Library of Virginia and in cooperation with the Appalachian Independence Center, Inc. and Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired.

Other Library Services For People With Disabilities

Books On Tape

The books on tape core collection is located at the Main Library with rotating deposits at the branches.  Although these materials are not produced specifically for the visually impaired, they can function as an alternative means for reading.  Books on tape are loaned for a 2 week period and may be renewed 2 times.  Patrons are limited to checking out five books on tape at one time.

Large Print Books

These provide increased readability through larger type and bigger spaces between lines.  Each library has a collection of materials in a large print format.  Materials may be routed within the library system per request of patron.

Links

The following Internet resources have been selected for further information on disability services.  Click here to view these resources.