Universal Access to the Internet for People with Disabilities Beth Fraser If barriers to access are overcome the Internet can provide many new opportunities for people with disabilities. Two issues are at the core of this access: access to hardware and access to the electronic resources and tools that make up the Internet. By addressing these two issues this article will help libraries prepare to enable disabled staff and patrons with the ability to use the resources of the Internet In preparing to make your library and Internet resources accessible to people with disabilities, it is helpful to incorporate universal design methodology to approaching the challenges of access. What is universal design? Typically, organizations design their facilities, resources and services for the average user. Universal design means that facilities are designed not for the average user but for people with a broad range of abilities and disabilities. Using this method from the start will save you time and money. It enables you to plan for access instead of having to rush to solve access problems when they arise; having to hurriedly create special accommodations for people who fall outside the range of the "average user." For example, let's look at providing access to computers. When planning for a library computer lab or computer workstations, it is desirable to provide options which will address the needs of a variety of users. This is the most cost-effective way to ensure that people with disabilities, along with many other users, can utilize your computer equipment. [18]DO-IT ( Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking and Technology, a project of the University of Washington) recommends the following list of adaptive computer technology for getting your library started. At least one adjustable table for your Internet workstations which provides access to patrons who use wheelchairs, and allows flexibility in reconfiguring the workstation. Large print key labels to assist patrons with low vision. Software which enlarges screen images to provide access to patrons with low vision and learning disabilities. Large monitors of at least 17 inches which assists patrons with low vision and learning disabilities. A speech output system that can be used by patrons with low vision, blindness and learning disabilities. Braille conversion software and a Braille printer that provides Braille output for patrons who are blind. Trackballs which provide an alternative for those who have difficulty controlling a mouse. Wrist rests and keyguards to assist patrons with limited fine motor skills. You should also have procedures in place to deal with specific needs that these general solutions cannot address. Also, make it a point to include patrons and/or staff members in the problem-solving process when access situations arise. They can help you develop creative and simple solutions. It is helpful to remember at this point that you don't have to do everything at once. Start small and add to your collection of adaptive technology as you receive requests and as library staff gain skills in providing training and services for them. There are many resources to assist you in your planning, purchasing, and implementing adaptive computer technology for the library. Several are listed at the [19]end of this article. The second hurdle in accessing the Internet for people with disabilities is the design of electronic resources and tools that make up the Internet. Character-based programs such as the text-based Web browser, Lynx, and e-mail, listserv and newsgroup readers such as PINE are highly compatible with current adaptive technology. Try to provide access to these types of tools in your library. The Web, by nature, can raise barriers. Remember, some visitors cannot see graphics because of visual impairments or cannot hear audio because of hearing impairments. Some users have difficulty when screens are unorganized, inconsistent and cluttered and when descriptions and instructions are unclear. These difficulties may occur because a patron may have learning disabilities, is not a native English speaker, or is younger than the average user. Other visitors, who access your site from home, may use older equipment or slow connections and modems that limit their access to multimedia features. Barriers that these people face can be overcome if Web designers use universal design principles, and consider all possible users, when creating their sites. Following these suggestions helps ensure that both your computers and your Internet resources are accessible to patrons and staff with disabilities. Here are several resources to explore for additional information. Resources [20]EASI (Equal Access to Software and Information) EASI provides many resources related to serving patrons with disabilities. A section called "Libraries without Walls" includes information on making libraries accessible. EASI also produces an electronic journal that regularly includes library-related articles. [21]Closing The Gap This is an internationally recognized source for information on innovative applications of microcomputer technology for people with disabilities and special needs. The organization sponsors an annual conference, produces an annual resource directory of commercially available hardware and software products, and publishes a bi-monthly newspaper. [22]DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking and Technology) DO-IT produces publications and videos that help librarians and educators learn about issues related to people with disabilities and computer technology. Listings of Web resources for accessible Web design, adaptive technology, and other disability-related issues are available at the site and in their new libraries section. [23]RESNA The 1988 Technology-related Assistance Act and its 1993 amendments provides federal funding to help states establish programs to promote the provision of technology-related assistance. The purpose of the Tech Act programs is to serve as statewide resources that will increase awareness of the need for adaptive technology, disseminate information about adaptive technology, and facilitate the availability of adaptive technology. For more information about the Tech Act program in your state, visit RESNA's W eb site. [[24]Beth Fraser is Universal Access Project Librarian with the University of Washington Libraries and DO-IT. DO-IT, a National Science Foundation funded project at the University of Washington, is directed by Dr. Sheryl Burgstahler.] _________________________________________________________________ Internet Trend Watch for Libraries is a publication of LEO: Librarians and Educators Online. All contents (c) 1997 by LEO. For information about LEO's services, visit our [25]home page, call 617/499-9676, or e-mail us at [26]itw@leonline.com. 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