Goddard (2004) notes that those who "have a disability were only half as likely to live in homes with Internet access than those without a disability. Close to 60 percent of people who have at least one type of disability have never used a computer" (p. 2). That is a huge percentage, especially in a society that relies so heavily on technology and the Internet. What can librarians do to help change this? Assistive technology seems to be the answer.Assistive technology (AT) refers to a "broad range of enabling strategies, technologies, and devices that allow individuals with special needs to work around their areas of challenge" (Hopkins, 2004, p. 15). AT can help a person with a disability to do something that might have been impossible before. It can be something as simple as a magnifying glass to help enlarge text for a person with poor eyesight to something as complex as computer software that can read a book aloud while highlighting text on the computer screen for a person with learning disabilities (Goddard, 2004). AT can help people with a variety of needs including those with visual difficulties, hearing loss, limited movement, and those who are unable to communicate verbally.
People with disabilities are able to achieve their own goals using assistive technology. They are able to seek information independently, rather than relying on others. In turn, this can help student and adult library users with their self-esteem. "Progress toward greater independence provides a sense of achievement and relief for students with disabilities, their families and caregivers" (Hopkins, 2004, p. 17).
It is truly amazing that we have so many useful tools available. School librarians should help students with disabilities to become familiar with AT options. This will help to promote lifelong learning skills. If librarians dedicate themselves to this task maybe it will help to close the technology gap between people with and without disabilities.
Will AT help close the gap? Share your thoughts here.
Goddard, M. (2004). Access through technology. Library Journal Net Connect, Spring, 2-6.
Hopkins, J. (2004). School library accessibility: The role of assistive technology. Teacher Librarian, 31(3), 15-18.
Photo Courtesy of:
assistivetechnologygroup.org
3 comments:
One of the great things about Florida is the great infrastructure already in place at the network of Talking Books Libraries, which has its headquarters in Daytona Beach.
These dedicated folks have set up a fantastic, free statewide distribution system which so far has been impervious to budget cuts.
Sometimes throwing technology at a problem (think Toyota Prius) doesn't solve it but in the case of assistive technologies every incremental step forward is a boon.
Jean Carey
www.italiangreyhounds.org/errata/
Your information on AT is well researched and a very important topic for us to keep in mind as professionals. The devices available to assist the disabled in their use of technology have definitely helped to close the gap. I hope that there is a budget allowance for years to come that will keep AT moving and growing at the same pace as the technology for those without disabilities.
Wow, I had no idea that the digital divide impacted persons with disabilities so much. Technology can be such a useful tool for those with disabilities. It's so surprising that such a high number of these individuals do not have Internet access.
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