2nd fridaybph zeigler
TRANSCRIPT
Shellie Zeigler Mississippi Library Commission Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped
"The chief handicap of the blind is not blindness, but the attitude of seeing people towards them." —Helen Keller: Speech for the American Foundation for the Blind, Washington, DC, 1925
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0iwiXIRb_g
Please watch this 14min. documentary about visual impairment.
In this video, a few individuals are interviewed about their point of view on living with a visual impairment
Why do you think some people have so much trouble defining blindness?
Did you know or had you heard about some of the assistive devices available before you saw this video?
Were you surprised that two of the people interviewed said they wouldn’t change their visual impairment if they could?
Visually Impaired: Someone is considered visually impaired when with correction (i.e. glasses) the person still has trouble reading or seeing
Blindness: Limited ability to see (even with aids); the absence of light perception
Digital Talking Books Digital Magazines Cassette Books Braille Books and Magazines Descriptive Videos Large Print Books Downloadable Books www.loc.gov/nls/
Blind Visually Impaired Physical Limitation-Cannot hold a
printed work Organic Reading Disability-i.e. Autism,
Dyslexia Deaf-Blind
Physically Accessible Access & Resources (Assistive Technology) Service & Communication
Physical Access to the Library Facilities Parking Entrance Internal Circulation Accessible Furniture Toilet Circulation & Information Desk Signage Emergency Evacuation
This doesn’t work well.
This is much better.
This doesn’t work well at all for people with low vision or visual impairments. Its practically impossible to read the text. Don’t use a picture as a background for signage.
Screen Magnifier Screen Readers & Screen
Magnification Software Alternative Format
Low Vision Monitors Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTV) Handheld CCTV Digital Magnifiers
A screen reader is a software application that identifies and interprets what is being displayed on the screen
Examples: JAWS, Voiceover, Microsoft Narrator, Window Eyes
Big Difference in pricing and the consumer can adapt to personal taste
(Often work in hand with Screen Readers) Screen magnification software is software
that interfaces with a computer's graphical output to present enlarged screen content. People who use this typically have some vision.
Examples: ZoomText, Virtual Magnifying Glass, Dolphin Lunar, Magic
-Large print book & magazines (larger then 12pt font) -Audio Books (CDs, MP3, ebooks,
playaways) -Descriptive Videos -Electronic Journals -E-Books -Braille (if possible)
Staff Training/Sensitization Offer Special Service to Patrons with
Disabilities Provide Tour for those with Disabilities
Speak in normal tone Identify yourself when you are
speaking Speak directly to the person, not their
sighted guide When guiding a patron, offer elbow for
assistance Speak Clearly (But don’t feel like you
have to yell)
Ask if assistance is needed Be specific with directions, includes
descriptions. Don’t say things like, “Over there.”
Remember Service Animals are not pets. Don’t pet them!
Put the person before the disability
State Universities: Research and Training Centers on Blindness and Low Vision
Local/State Council of the Blind Federation of the Blind (National
Level) Local School for the Blind State Library for the Blind
Accessing information & navigating space will always be essential
Future: ◦ More choices coming from NLS for receipt /method of
information ◦ New homes are more equipped for disabled (space wise) ◦ Website accessibility is on the rise. Websites are working
better with screen readers. (More white spaces, less flashy lights) ◦ Cell phones apps are being created more and more to
specifically assist the visually impaired. More availability of apps for portable devices ◦ More crossover between accessible and mainstream
design
www.disability.gov
Shellie Zeigler Mississippi Library Commission Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped [email protected] 601-432-4123