Library Services for Students with Disabilities

Imagine only being able to read 5% of the books on your bookshelf at home!
 
Only 5% of all English language texts in the world are currently available in alternate formats, and thus easily readable by a person with a visual or learning disability.  December 3rd marks the United Nations' International Day of Persons with Disabilities and in keeping with day's goal of raising awareness, we would like to highlight library services available for students with disabilities.
 
The primary goal of the staff who work in the Library Accessibility Services (LAS) office, located on the 2nd floor of Mills Library, is to "level the playing field" so that students with disabilities have equal access to the tools they need to succeed academically.  Most students with disabilities require formats other than traditional print and can’t simply go to the bookstore to purchase their textbooks.  LAS provides students with textbooks in a variety of different formats such as Braille, large print, and electronic formats that can be read aloud by a computer. This fall alone LAS acquired over 200 textbooks in a variety of alternate formats at no cost to the individual student.

“The LAS technology and services provide an opportunity for students with disabilities to reach their potential in an environment that is not always suitable to their needs,” says undergraduate student Rachel Duban. “The staff work with the individual's strengths and in doing so, do not let the students weaknesses hinder the quality of education they receive. As a student with a disability, assistive technology and the services help me complete my work and meet the same standards as my fellow students.  This provides self-confidence, strength and assurance that my disability will not interfere with my goals in life.”

Often, a print textbook has to be transcribed, a process which involves using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.  The transcription is then manually edited by staff at LSSD who add page numbers, alternate text for pictures and charts, and other things to make the document more accessible.  Even textbooks available electronically are not always accessible and in these cases LAS staff transcribe or scan to an accessible electronic format. Braille or large print textbooks are sometimes obtained from the Ministry of Education’s Resource Services Library.

The Library has two consultation rooms in Mills Learning Commons, both furnished with assistive technology such as JAWS (a screen reader which provides users with access to information on the screen through text-to-speech), Kurzweil (a software program used to scan and read documents aloud through synthesized voice) and Zoomtext (a magnification and reading software).  These programs are also available on all library research computers in the public areas.

LAS staff also facilitate book retrieval and photocopying, as well as offer research help in a manner which accommodates the student’s disability.

The  LAS staff are passionate about lowering some of the barriers to higher education for McMaster students.  Lorna Turcotte is the coordinator of LAS, and is supported by Margaret Rutten and Kelly Penfold in delivering services to students.  Transcription student assistants also play a critical role in providing service.  As well, LAS works closely with Student Accessibility Services, Titles and various university departments and faculties.

For more information about LAS, see Library Accessibility Services.

Image:  Lorna Turcotte demonstrates assistive technology available in library consultation rooms, a Closed Circuit TV and Zoomtext.