services for students with disabilities task force...
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SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES TASK FORCE
2013/2014 REPORT
Introduction
The charge to the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Task Force is to assist in the
evaluation of current University of Florida (UF) George A. Smathers Libraries policies and
procedures relating to services and resources for students with disabilities, and to develop
prioritized plans relating to programs and services for students with disabilities.
The group was tasked with performing this evaluation through review and consideration of best
practices and models of peer institutions, as well as performing formal assessment via
inventories, surveys, focus groups, and/or interviews. Recommendations based on the findings of
this task force are located at the end of this report under Task Force Recommendations and the
full survey results and complete inventory data are located in the Appendices.
Peer Libraries Review
In April 2013, the SSD task force conducted a review of assistive services and resources and
adaptive technologies offered by libraries at fourteen of UF’s peer institutions chosen from the
UF Libraries RCM Budget Report and the Association of American Universities. In March 2014, an
additional review was completed. Primarily, data was collected from the peer libraries’ websites.
When the task force ran into difficulties locating information on the sites, follow up interviews
were conducted by phone, email, and/or online reference chat services.
Peer Libraries Review: Assistive Services and Resources
Services and resources across the peer libraries were, for the most part, consistent. One hundred
percent of the peer libraries offered some form of individualized research assistance and/or
library orientations, in addition to helping with catalog searches and Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
requests. Nearly all of the libraries offered assistance with photocopying, scanning, and book
retrieval. Many offered quiet rooms and/or study carrels, reserved specifically for students with
disabilities.
Notable services and resources offered:
Branch-to-branch delivery of materials for users with mobility issues
Extended time allowed on course reserves items
Assistive technology labs
Librarian specializing in disability resources and outreach
Unique resources available for checkout:
Small, trolley baskets
Wheelchairs and motorized carts
Leaders in assistive services and resources:
Florida State University
Michigan State University
Please view APPENDIX A for complete results of the Peer Assistive Services and Resources Review.
Peer Libraries Review: Adaptive Technologies Adaptive technologies varied greatly from library to library, but approximately 60% of the libraries had an assistive technology room/lab, in addition to the JAWS and ZoomText software programs. Nearly 80% of the libraries had at least one version of text-to-speech software. Roughly, half of the libraries had Kurzweil 3000 software and/or Kurzweil scanners.
Notable Technologies Offered:
Assistive listening devices for library events and classes
Closed-captioned televisions (CCTVs)
Unique Technologies Available for Borrow:
Portable scanners and SmartPen devices
ZoomText, Kurzweil, and iZoom on USB drives
Headphones (regular and noise-cancelling)
Leaders in Adaptive Technologies:
Duke University
Florida State University
Please view APPENDIX B for complete results of the Peer Adaptive Technologies Review. UF Libraries Review: Assistive Services and Resources and Adaptive Technologies
The SSD task force surveyed the seven branches of the George A. Smathers Libraries and the UF
Legal Information Center to determine an accurate inventory of assistive services and resources
and adaptive technologies currently offered to patrons with special requirements. The inventory
was performed March 2013 and a follow-up review completed in November 2013.
Inventory results revealed that throughout the library branches there are varying levels of
services, resources, and technologies available to patrons with disabilities. While all of the library
branches offer basic services such as photocopying assistance, book retrieval, and resources such
as accessible workstations, building entrances, and signage, some of the UF Libraries branches
were unequipped with magnifiers, audio equipment, and other hardware/software necessary to
provide optimal service to patrons needing accommodation.
The process of conducting the inventory exposed another concern, inadequate communication of
available services, resources, and technologies. The Libraries staff was not always aware of
available equipment and services. Information on existing services and resources was often
unavailable on the websites of the individual library branches and there were many inaccuracies
on the Services for Users with Disabilities webpage on the main UF Libraries website.
Please view APPENDIX C and APPENDIX D for complete results of UF Libraries Inventory Review.
UF Libraries vs. Peer Libraries: Summary
Overall, the services, resources, and adaptive technologies available at UF Libraries compare
favorably with those available at peer institutions. In comparison to its peers, the UF Libraries
provided similar services, resources, and adaptive technologies. However, UF lags behind its
peers in the availability of adaptive equipment and software.
UF Libraries vs. Peer Libraries: Assistive Services and Resources Comparison
When comparing the UF Libraries to its peers, the UF Libraries meets, and in some cases, exceeds
offerings at other universities in areas such as providing assigned ADA-compliant workstations,
accessible building entrances, and braille signage. UF also excels in offering assistance with
various research tasks, such as scanning and copying, borrowing and retrieval services, individual
research assistance, and library orientations.
There are a few resources and services provided by at least some peer institutions that are
currently unavailable at most or all branches of the UF Libraries. For example, 42% of the peer
libraries offered adjustable tables compared to 13% of the UF Libraries branches.
Notable examples of resources and equipment unavailable at the UF Libraries include:
Assistive technology labs: offered by 57% of peer libraries
Branch-to-branch delivery of materials: offered by 35% of peer libraries
Extended loan time on course reserve items: offered by 21% of peer libraries
Accommodation for library events or classes: offered by 21% of peer libraries
UF Libraries vs. Peer Libraries: Adaptive Technologies Comparison
As noted in the previous section (UF Libraries Review: Assistive Services and Resources and
Adaptive Technologies), there are varying levels of adaptive equipment and software availability
at the UF Libraries. Most or all branches meet or exceed peer library offerings of adjustable
monitors, OCR software, and very basic Windows accessibility software. However, with regard to
other technologies, there is either no availability at the UF Libraries, or availability is inconsistent.
For example, desktop magnifiers, an item available at 50% of the peer libraries, are only available
at four of eight UF Libraries branches. Assistive listening through microphone amplification is only
offered at three out of eight of the UF Libraries branches, yet none of the UF Libraries branches
offered assistive listening devices (an item offered by 14% of the peer libraries).
Notable examples of software and equipment unavailable at the UF Libraries include:
JAWS software: offered by 64% of peer libraries
ZoomText software: offered by 57% of peer libraries
Kurzweil 3000 software: offered by 49% of peer libraries
Closed-captioned televisions: offered by 42% of peer libraries
Student Survey: Awareness and Use of Assistive Services and Resources of UF Libraries
In February 2014, the task force conduced a brief, confidential survey to assess current
awareness and utilization by patrons of the services and resources available for persons with
disabilities at the UF Libraries. Four hundred and seven patrons responded to the survey. The
survey listed the assistive services, resources, and technologies available at the UF Libraries and
asked respondents whether they were aware of the availability of these services and resources
and whether they had used them.
The survey results revealed that most patrons were unaware of the availability of magnifying
devices and proxy borrowing services. Patrons indicated they were most aware of keyboard
shortcuts for increasing text size, the ability to renew materials online, accessible workstations
and group study rooms. With respect to actual usage, the results mirrored awareness. Renewal of
materials online and usage of scanners with OCR had the highest reported usage while use of
magnifying devices and utilization of proxy borrowing had the lowest reported usage.
The third and final question of the survey asked respondents for suggestions of additional
services for persons with disabilities that they would like to see added to the Libraries. A few of
the notable suggestions follow:
Headphones for hard of hearing in library viewings
Mini CCTVs for low vision
More connections between the library and the Disability Resource Center
Some type of area that is more beneficial to those with troubles focusing - a quiet area,
perhaps with a DRC counselor available for help planning studying strategies
Please view APPENDIX E for the full list of the Student Survey results.
Task Force Recommendations Based upon the information and data gathered from Peer Libraries, the UF Libraries, and UF
Students, the Services for Students with Disabilities Task Force has compiled short and long-term
recommendations in the following areas:
Assistive Services
Assistive Resources and Adaptive Technologies
Training and Instruction
Website Updates and Content
Promotion and Marketing
Assistive Services Recommendations
Short Term:
Designated ADA Contacts
Ensure each branch has a designated ADA contact person to handle requests and
questions. Be certain contact information for these liaisons is widely posted and easily
discoverable.
Long term:
Consistency of Services Offered
Ensure all branches are offering the same services.
Course Reserves
Allow extended checkout time on course reserve items for students registered with the
UF Disability Resources Center (DRC).
Branch Delivery Service
Create a service offering branch-to-branch delivery of library materials for students
registered with the UF DRC.
Accommodation at Library Events or Classes
Develop a policy to include a statement at the end of every announcement promoting a
Libraries event or class, encouraging attendees to contact the libraries (or a specific
person) to arrange for accommodation.
Universal Accessibility Librarian
Hire or appoint a full-time librarian to act as the main ADA liaison to coordinate all ADA
related services, resources, and technologies. Duties would include but not be limited to:
Perform outreach to the UF Community with focus on UF Students with
disabilities.
Promote awareness of available ADA services, resources, and technologies.
Perform specialized library instruction classes as needed.
Assist in developing policies related to assistive services, resources, and
technologies in the Libraries.
Assist in providing ADA related training to all library employees.
Oversee Assistive Technology Lab(s) and training of equipment and software.
Explore new ADA technologies, resources, and services and make
recommendations to the UF Libraries.
Develop cross-campus collaborations for funding and programming.
Create and curate content for the UF Libraries ADA webpages.
Coordinate ADA liaisons at UF Libraries branches.
Assistive Resources and Adaptive Technologies Recommendations
Short term:
Assistive Technology Lab
Creation of an Assistive Technologies Lab with large display panel, scanner, assistive
software, assistive listening, adaptive keyboard and mouse, desktop magnifier. Reserve
room specifically for students registered with the UF DRC.
Quiet Study Carrels
Reserve a study carrel or workstation in the quietest spot of the library branch (ex. one of
the carrels on the fourth floor of Library West) for students registered with the Disability
Resource Center.
Resources for Checkout
Basket or small bodega cart
Assistive Software for checkout on USB drive (Kurzweil, ZoomText)
Portable scanners
SmartPen devices
Headphones (regular and noise-cancelling)
Long term:
Consistency of Resources Offered
Ensure all branches are offering the same resources. For example, HSCL is the only branch
that offers adjustable tables as an assistive resource.
Consistency of Adaptive Technologies Offered
Ensure all branches are offering the same adaptive technologies For example, only two
branches offer adaptive keyboards and mice.
Expansion of Adaptive Software Offered
Currently there are no adaptive software programs available at any of the UF Libraries
branches besides the very basic Windows operating system accessibility features. Ensure
consistency of software across branches (and at the UF DRC) and expand adaptive
software offerings at all of the branches to include:
Kurzweil
JAWS
ZoomText
MAGIC
Assistive Listening Devices
Offer the choice of using an assistive listening device at events, workshops, etc. (see
Service Recommendations for the inclusion of request for this resource on all event invites
and notices).
Website Content and Updates Recommendations
Short Term:
Specific Items to Include on Each Branch Page
Handicapped parking closest to each branch.
Wheelchair accessibility:
Entrances to buildings
Accessible bathrooms
Accessible fountains
Study rooms
Computer workstations
Clearly list all services:
Assistive services (that should be offered at ALL branches)
Assistive resources (that should be offered at ALL branches)
Adaptive technologies and their locations
List of branch ADA contact information
Examples of Content on Peer ADA Webpages and Guides:
http://guides.lib.fsu.edu/content.php?pid=74901&sid=554802
http://www.lib.msu.edu/general/policy-atc/
http://www.lib.usf.edu/services/ada-services/
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/services/assistive/
Long Term:
Tri-annual Review of Main ADA Webpage
Diversity Committee to review the UF Libraries ADA webpage at the start of every long
semester to ensure accuracies.
Tri-annual Review of Branch ADA Webpage
ADA Contact person at each branch to review their branch ADA webpage to at the start of
every long semester to ensure accuracies.
Training/Workshop and Instruction Recommendations
Potential Resources for Workshops:
UF & UF Libraries Human Resources Departments
UF Disability Resource Center
UF ADA Compliance Office
UF Health and Wellness Center
Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA)
NEFLIN
Workshop Topic Suggestions for UF Students:
Training on assistive services, resources, and technologies available in the UF Libraries
Training on assistive services, resources, and technologies available at UF
Specialized library instruction, orientation, and tours
Workshop Topic Suggestions for Libraries Staff:
Sensitivity and awareness training.
Training on assistive services, resources, and technologies are available in the UF
Libraries
Training on assistive services, resources, and technologies available at UF
Autism and spectrum disorders
Deaf and hard of hearing
Developmental disabilities
Learning disabilities
Mental illness
Multiple disabilities
Physical disabilities
Vision
Promotion and Marketing Recommendations
Brochures and Handouts
Creation of brochures and handouts that can be given away at the UF Preview tables,
services points in the branches, the UF Disability Resource Center Office, and other
relevant offices and departments across campus.
Accommodation Statement
Include a statement at the end of every announcement promoting a Libraries event or
class, encouraging attendees to contact the libraries (or a specific person) to arrange for
accommodation
Appendix A
ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES
@Peer Institutions
DU
KE
UN
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ASH
ING
TON
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ISC
ON
SIN
%
ASS
ISTI
VE
EQU
IPM
ENT
Assistive tech room or lab X X X X X X X X 57% Assistive listening devices X X 14% Braille/Braille Terminal X X X 21% CCTV X X X X X X 42% Digital recorder X 7% iPad for ADA Use X 7% Headphones X 7% Keyboard (ADA) X X X 21% Kurzweil 1000 Scanner X X X X 28% Magnifier, Desktop X X X X X X X 50% Magnifier, Portable X X 14% Mice (ADA) X X X 21% SARA reading machine X 7% Scanner, Flatbed X X 14% SmartPen X X 14% Talking Calculator X 7% TTY X X X X 28%
Voice Amplifier portable X 7%
ASS
ISTI
VE
SOFT
WA
RE
Abby FineReader X 7% Atlas Speaks X 7% Dragon X X X X X 28% Inspiration X X 14% IZoom (USB Drive) X 7% JAWS X X X X X X X X X 64% Kurzweil 3000 X X X X X X 42% Kurzweil (USB Drive) X 7% MAGiC X X X 14% OpenBook X 7% ReadAloud X X 14% TextAloud X 7% WYNN literacy software X 7% ZoomText X X X X X X X X 57% ZoomText (USB Drive) X X 14%
TOTAL # OF ITEMS: 17 17 10 0 6 1 10 4 0 5 1 11 6 8
Appendix B
SERVICES & RESOURCES @Peer Institutions
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UNIVER
SITY
FLORIDA STAT
E U.
MICHIGAN
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U. O
F ILLINOIS
U. O
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F MINNESOTA
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F NORT
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N
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F WISCO
NSIN
%
SERV
ICES
Retrieval Assistance X X X X X X X X X X X 78% Branch to branch delivery of materials X X X X X 35%
Proxy Borrower Service X X X X X X X X 57% Extended Loan time on Course Reserves X X X 21%
Photocopy and/or Scanning Help X X X X X X X X X X X 78%
Individual Research Assistance and/or Library Orientations
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 100%
Assistance with Catalog Searches X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 100%
Assistance with ILL Requests X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 100%
Accommodation for library events or classes X X X 21%
TOTAL # OF SERVICES 8 5 6 6 6 5 6 7 7 3 5 8 5 6
RESO
URC
ES
Adjustable Table(s) X X X X X X 42% Baskets/Shopping Carts X 7% Kurzweil Software on USB for Checkout X 7%
Lockers X 7% Portable Scanner for Checkout X 7%
Read Aloud Space X 7% Smart Pen for Checkout X 7% Study Carrel or Quiet Room (non‐tech) X X X X X 35%
Tactile Maps X 7% RELAY/TTY X X X X X 35% ZoomText Software on USB for Checkout X 7%
Wheelchair, Manual X 7% Wheelchair, Motorized X 7%
TOTAL # OF RESOURCES 0 8 6 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 0
Appendix C
ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES @UF Libraries
ARCH
ITEC
TURE
& FINE AR
TS
EDUCA
TION LIBRA
RY
HEA
LTH SCIEN
CE CEN
TER
LATIN AMER
ICAN
COLLEC
TION
LEGAL
INFO
. CEN
TER
LIBR
ARY WEST
MAR
STON SCIEN
CE LIBRA
RY
SPEC
IAL CO
L. & ARE
A STUDIES
ASSISTIVE EQ
UIPMEN
T
Audio/Speakers X X X
Keyboard (ADA) X X X
Magnifier, Desktop X X X X
Magnifier, Portable X X X X
Microphone for Assisted Listening X X X
Monitors, Adjustable/Large X X X X X X
Mice (ADA) X X X X
TOTAL # OF EQUIPMENT ITEMS 1 7 4 0 5 7 3 0
ASSISTIVE SO
FTWAR
E
OCR Software X X X X X X X
OS X (basic) Accessibility Software X
Windows (basic) Accessibility Software X X X X X X X X
TOTAL # OF SOFTWARE ITEMS 2 2 3 2 1 2 2 2
Appendix D
ADA SERVICES & RESOURCES @UF Libraries
ARCH
ITEC
TURE
& FINE AR
TS
EDUCA
TION LIBRA
RY
HEA
LTH SCIEN
CE CEN
TER
LATIN AMER
ICA CO
LLEC
TION
LEGAL
INFO
. CEN
TER
LIBR
ARY WEST
MAR
STON SCIEN
CE LIBRA
RY
SPEC
. COL. & ARE
A STUDIES
SERV
ICES
ADA Issues/Designated Contact Person X X X X X
Course Reserve Unit Scanning/Email X X X X X X X X
Individual Research Assistance and/or Library Orientations
X X X X X X X X
Photocopy/Scanning Help X X X X X X X X
Proxy Borrower Service X X X X X X X X
Retrieval Assistance X X X X X X X X
TOTAL # OF SERVICES 6 6 6 6 5 6 5 5
RESO
URC
ES
Adjustable Furniture X
Assigned ADA Workstations X X X X X X X
ADA Workstation Policies Posted X X
Braille Signage X X X X X X X X
TOTAL # OF RESOURCES 2 2 4 2 1 3 2 2
APPENDIX E – USER ASSESSMENT RESULTS QUESTION 1: Please indicate your awareness of the following library services
AWARENESS OF SERVICES & RESOURCES AWARE UNAWARE
CTRL Key on Keyboard + Scroll Button on Mouse Increase/Decrease Text Size 60% 40% Renewal of Materials Online: Patrons can renew checked out items online by going to the "Your Account" link on the library homepage 52% 48%
Wheelchair Accessible Computer Workstations 52% 48%
Wheelchair Accessible Group Student Rooms 51% 49%
Scanners with OCR Software (Adobe and HP Solutions) 48% 52% Photocopy Service: Staff will make photocopies of materials brought to the circulation desk with a Gator One/Guest car that has sufficient value to make the copies
32% 68%
Microsoft Language Bar and Accessibility Tools on Public Computers 31% 69% Non‐Circulating Materials: Arrangements can be made for special short term loan to use non‐circulating materials with equipment 28% 72%
Large Print/Type: Upon request, library staff will print handouts in large type for individuals with print‐related disabilities 20% 80%
Retrieval of Materials: Registered disabled users may request that a specific item be retrieved by phoning the holding library's circulation desk 17% 83%
Proxy Borrower Authorization: Patrons registered with the UF Disability Resource Center can request special authorization for another individual to serve as a proxy and check out library material on their behalf
9% 91%
Topaz Desktop Magnifying Devices 8% 92%
Sapphire Portable Magnifying Devices 5% 95%
QUESTION 2: Please select any resource or service that you have used at any of the UF Libraries
USE OF SERVICES & RESOURCES USED
RESPONSES Proxy Borrower Authorization 1 Sapphire Portable Magnifying Devices 2 Topaz Desktop Magnifying Devices 5 Photocopy service for disabled users 5 Wheelchair accessible computer workstations 14 Large Print/Type 14 Other (please list) 16 Wheelchair accessible group study rooms 22 Microsoft language bar and accessibility tools on public computers 26 Retrieval of materials 38 Non‐Circulating Materials 43 Scanners with OCR Software (Adobe & HP Solutions) 76 Renewal of materials online 93