The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990 for the expressed purpose of bringing people with disabilities into the mainstream of American life. Approximately 49 million people in the United States have some form of disability. Of this group, an estimated 7.75 million people cannot use a computer without assistive technology.
Technology is constantly being developed to assist people with disabilities, but it generally lags behind the introduction of new features on the Web. The solution is to design Web sites that ensure all users have full access. By accomplishing this goal, not only would the disabled have full access to the Internet, it would raise the visibility of all libraries in Illinois and increase the credibility of the library as a community leader in providing information.
A letter from Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White, dated March 29, 1999, informed the Suburban Library System (SLS) in Burr Ridge that it had been awarded a Library Services Technology Act (LSTA) grant for $52,740. The grant award enabled the project to provide for the acquisition of hardware and software that made training materials available whenever and wherever staff and trainers need them.
The heart of the grant project was a series of three workshops by a two-man team of internationally known experts. Representatives from 43 SLS member libraries attended one or more of the workshops. Within that framework, the workshops explored the concept of universal access and how it can be designed to eliminate barriers to the disabled. They sought to increase the awareness of the challenges that Web publishing can present to those with hearing, sight, or motor-skill disabilities. The workshop presentations were published on the SLS Web site, employing the principles of universal access, thereby making the grant project information widely available throughout the State of Illinois. But the project went a beyond the original concept proposed in the grant. Publishing the workshop presentations in audio, video and print formats incorporated a new model for continuing education at SLS.
Project Director Pamela Brown said, "this grant allows SLS to provide new avenues of service to our member libraries. First, we set up our computer training room as an accessibility lab where libraries can test their Web pages, fix any problems, and add features to make them universally accessible. We’re now a ‘one-stop-shop’ helping our member libraries meet the information needs of all their patrons."
Before the grant period ended, three workshops had been presented with registrants from 43 different libraries in attendance. A quote from a typical workshop evaluation said, "I think this was an excellent set of programs. Dick and Norm (the presenters) brought a whole new perspective to the project, and I left with a different understanding of ADA compliance and the importance of it. We always say we have to be accessible to the disabled. Now we are getting the means to do it."
"This is just one of the many samples of incredible feedback about this project we are getting from libraries throughout the Chicagoland area," Brown said. In addition to the positive comments from those who attended the workshops, more than 400 people have accessed the materials on the Web site. Even though the workshops are over, libraries across Illinois (across the world!) can still benefit from the materials presented. As accessibility becomes more and more important, we are proud to be able to put our members at the forefront of this issue."
(For further information regarding this grant contact Pamela Brown, Suburban Library System 125 Tower Dr., Burr Ridge, IL. 60521 telephone: 630-734-5000 Email: brown@sls.lib.il.us)
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