Disability Services

[Adaptive Technology] [Visual Impairment] [Hearing Impairment]
[Limited Mobility] [Other Services]

The  Mansfield Public Library’s Board of Trustees and staff are committed to  making the library’s resources available to all, and their first step toward  this goal was ordering a computer workstation that people using wheelchairs  would find accessible. Then, in 2002, the library was awarded a two-year  grant to improve library services to people with disabilities. Funded  through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, with funds from  the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), this grant thrust  the library into a revamp of the adult department floor plan, and led to the  expansion of materials and equipment geared to people with disabilities and  their families.

Adaptive Technology

Our two adult department workstations are  wheelchair accessible, with fully adjustable tables and keyboards. One  station includes JAWS, so blind users can hear what is on the screen. The  other station includes Kurzweil 1000, so learning disabled users can see  and hear written material at the same time. That station also includes  MAGic, which magnifies text for visually impaired users.

Both stations are  equipped with large-print keyboards, 22 inch monitors, a trackball mouse,  speakers and headsets. The Kurweila station also includes a scanner. Both  stations enable our patrons to use the library’s resources, including the  Ibistro online catalog, and the Internet. Both computers were gifts of the  Mansfield Lions Club.

On our adult word processor workstation, the  program text Help Read and Write is available. It is a floating toolbar that  helps people with dyslexia or learning disabilities compose documents.

In the youth department, there is a  wheelchair accessible workstation that includes the Kurzweil 3000. This  program allows users with learning disabilities or reading difficulties to  read and write. Students can scan a document (such as a worksheet) and type  the answers directly into it. The program will also scan a document and read  it out loud, highlighting text as it goes along. Very versatile!

[top of page]

Visual Impairments

• Large Print Books
• Enlarger
• Descriptive Video Service
• Books for the Blind

The library has expanded its collection of  large print books in both the adult and youth collections. In the adult  department, the large print collection has been moved close to our entrance,  and additional bookcases installed so that bottom shelves are not used.

Our collection of audio books on cassette and CD is being expanded. We purchase descriptive videos. The library subscribes to Reader’s Digest in Large Type. Our Telesensory Aladdin Video Magnifier, purchased by the Friends of the  Library, is a low-vision magnifying device for reading books or documents.

Our Telesensory Olympia is a portable magnifying device for use in the  library. It may be used at a table with its stand, and is useful for filling  out forms, writing checks, taking notes, etc. With its battery pack, users  can carry it around the library to magnify books, magazines, etc.

Our monthly Mansfield Public Library News is in large print

The library has the following software for the sight impaired.

• JAWS
• MAGic

[top of page]

Hearing Impairments:

Our meeting room features a sound  amplification system with individual listening devices.

Limited Mobility:

The library is on one floor, with ramp  access. There are eleven handicapped parking spaces, three of which are very  close to the front door. Our bathrooms are handicapped accessible. Aisles  are wide enough for wheelchairs.

[top of page]

Other Services and Resources:

Mansfield’s Emblem Club has for several years  volunteered to deliver items to people who are homebound. Please call the  library director or reference librarian at 508-261-7380 if you are  interested. Staff members are always available to help patrons by checking  shelves, placing holds, etc.

In addition to more large type and audio book purchases, the library  subscribes to ABILITY, NEW MOBILITY, and LARGE PRINT READER’S DIGEST. We are  also purchasing more materials on topics of interest to people with  disabilities, including books, videos, and a number of CD computer programs  geared to children different learning styles.

 [top of page]