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Open House to Demonstrate New Assistive Technology Available at the Glendale Branch

Library News & Announcements RSS Feed September 27, 2007

Glendale Branch librarian Janet Spaulding sits in the library's new public Accessibililty Room which features an assortment of equipment that can assist those with disabilities.
Glendale Branch librarian Janet Spaulding sits in the library's new public Accessibililty Room which features an assortment of equipment that can assist those with disabilities.

To ensure that all patrons enjoy access to information and lifelong learning, the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library is making available new assistive technology at the Glendale Branch, 6101 N. Keystone Avenue, to assist individuals with disabilities.

Thanks to a grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, the Library has obtained the X-tation Pro Accessible Workstation, located in the Accessibility Room at the Glendale Branch, which will improve public computer and Internet access for those with vision, mobility or hearing impairments, as well as those with certain learning disabilities such as dyslexia and attention deficit disorder.

The public is invited to become familiar with this new service during two special open house sessions at the Glendale Branch. Although anyone from the general public is invited to any session, seniors are encouraged to attend on Friday, October 5 from 10 - 11 a.m. and from 1 - 2 p.m. Students are encouraged to attend on Saturday, October 6 from 10 - 11 a.m. and from 1 - 2 p.m.

To assist those with vision impairments, the X-tation Pro will include screen magnification software, screen reading software and a video magnifier for printed materials. It will feature an advanced document scanning/reading system and a large print keyboard.

A voice input system, bi-modal document scanning and reading system, literacy development, and Internet access system are features that will benefit those with learning disabilities.

Those with mobility impairments, such as spinal cord injuries, stroke, cerebral palsy or carpal tunnel syndrome, will be able to take advantage of the height adjustable workstation, forearm supports, slip-on typing pads, a voice input system, miniature keyboard, alternate pointing devices, and an array of other features.

Designed by the Assistive Technology Center of Easter Seals Crossroads, this public workstation will serve as a pilot for similar technology at the transformed Central Library and other branch locations. Easter Seals Crossroads worked with IMCPL staff to install the X-tation Pro and offer staff training on its use. The organization also will provide software and hardware upgrades and technical support for three years.

According to census bureau data, over 157,000 Marion County residents over the age of five have a disability. In the Glendale service area, one-third of adults aged 65 and older have a disability.