There are many software-based products that can read a website text and alt-text images audibly to the user. Some of these software options also magnify, tint, and otherwise enhance the text of a website for better access for those with vision impairment. I think that this type of adaptive technology resource would be a great addition to the school library.
Referring to the universal design principle that we can create spaces that work for everyone, and that more access gained for some means better access for all (CAST, 2023), the idea of an easier to use online library catalog, website and databases makes sense. Making sure that the catalog and website can be seen and heard and used better helps students with known low or no vision, teachers with aging eyes, and students with undocumented vision loss or reading disabilities. And using universal design and/or accommodations for disabled students has a neutral or positive effect on all students (Hehir, 7)
When visiting the New York and San Francisco Public Libraries' websites, I found that there are terminals at both sites that offer such adaptive technology. One refers to a product called ZoomText Magnifier/Reader by Freedom Scientific, and the other refers to MAGic screen magnification software, also by Freedom Scientific. According to their website, every public PC at all NYPL locations is equipped with JAWS screen reading software and MAGic software for enlarging the screen, changing colors and contrast, and screenreading. And while perusing the site, I realized that screenreaders can also potentially help those with reading disabilities find the information that they need.
From the Freedom Scientific website, it appears that having a public license may have a ticket price of $900 - $2000, so it would not be an item for every school's budget. If the librarian had completed a survey of their patrons and knew it would be beneficial, I am sure there are grants available to acquire it.
With that in mind, there are a variety of free online screenreaders available. NVDA is free (donation optional) and accessible to everyone, and seems to be the industry standard for use on PCs.
If the library computer or the student's device is an Apple product, you could use Apple VoiceOver. This is a great resource for teachers to remember for themselves and their students because it is inherent to the Apple suite, and useful for students' ever-present iphones. If you are on a mobile device (iphone, ipad, etc.), you just open Settings, then Accessibility, then you can choose VoiceOver, Zoom, Spoken Content, Audio Descriptors, and more.
For those using Chromebooks or a Chrome browser, the extension ChromeVox is available, and for the price of $0 additional budget, it's not a bad option.
The State Library of Iowa Continuing Education put out a nice overview YouTube video on screenreaders and how to use them in the library.
Another great resource is this (non-exhaustive) compilation of database compatibility with screenreaders put out by Suffolk University.
Using screenreaders on library computers for OPAC or database usage is an easy way to incorporate universal design to make accessing information easier for everyone.
Resources
CAST, Inc. (2023). About universal design for learning https://www.cast.org/impact/universal-design-for-learning-udl
Freedom Scientific. (2022). Products https://www.freedomscientific.com/Products/
NYPL For Patrons with Print Disabilities or Visual Impairment https://www.nypl.org/accessibility/print-disabilities
State Library of Iowa Continuing Education. (2012, May 7). Screen readers in your library [YouTube video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yLl26iP3ac
Suffolk University (Dec 16, 2022 )Screen Reading and Library Resources: A Guide for ADA Accessibility: Full list of Accessible Library Databases
Hehir, T. et al. (2016, August). A Summary of the Evidence on Inclusive Education [PowerPoint slides]. Professor of Practice in Learning Differences, Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Hey there. I really enjoyed reading your blog. I took the Universal Design Class for recertification and I learned so many useful things that helped me understand the importance of adaptive tools. I really liked when you talked about surveying or polling the audience where you are. It is so important to know the patrons in which you serve. The needs may not be the same in two places. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and information.
ReplyDeleteJennifer, I like that you looked into the adaptive technology resources that the New York and San Francisco public libraries had to offer their patrons! I looked into the resources you linked, they are very interesting tools I had not heard of before reading your post. The cheaper resources you discussed are helpful since not all libraries have that kind of budget.
ReplyDeleteJennifer, this is a great accessibility tool and one that was mentioned by Dr. Copeland in her 701 course. Designing interfaces for public libraries include the use of easy to read fonts such as Tahoma, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, and Times New Roman. It also includes items that you mentioned such as screen brightness and size. Another great tool located on all windows machines is the magnifier tool. This is great to be able to zoom in on areas of the screen as well. Information can be found here https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/use-magnifier-to-make-things-on-the-screen-easier-to-see-414948ba-8b1c-d3bd-8615-0e5e32204198. This is not so great if you accidently turn it on and cannot figure out what you did!
ReplyDeleteMy students do this all the time. Another great tool that is simple and easy to use is holding control (ctrl) and scrolling which will magnify your windows icons and webpages. Very helpful to zoom in and out quickly and effectively. Thanks for posting!
Hey Jennifer!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you brought up the accessibility adaptations Apple offers on its devices. I recently searched up how my iPad could read articles to me and found this accessibility perfect. I do not have extreme vision issues, but when someone/something is reading the material to me, the I can comprehend it that much more than reading it on my own. Thank you for sharing this with everyone!
Hi Aaron,
ReplyDeleteThanks for those quick tips! Those will certainly come in handy with students who need answers "Right Now!!". I didn't know about the ctrl+scroll.
Hi Jennifer! Great post and very informative! What a great idea to look into what the NY and SF public libraries offer in regards to accessibility. Budget is definitely a big constraint, so it's great to know that there are some cost-effective or free options worth considering. I appreciate that you pointed out the Apple accessibility features. I pulled them up after reading your post and am glad to know that they exist. It made me think of the accessibility options on Chromebooks and how my only experience so far is having to turn them off for students who accidently turn them on. It does make me wonder if students in the building who could benefit from these features are aware of and actually using them.
ReplyDelete