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Civilization is the acceptance and encouragement of differences
~ Mahatma Gandhi
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Accessible workstation with MAGic, a text magnifier |
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Aladdin Video Magnifier |
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Portable Olympia magnifier for browsing the shelves, filling out forms, etc
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Mobility Magazine, one of our new magazines for people with disabilities
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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