Information Empowerment
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| (EdTech Update) |
After twenty-five years as the head of the Ohio Library for the Blind and the Physically Disabled, Barbara Mates writes from a place of knowledge and experience when she speaks about how digital improvements in library resources have greatly increased disabled patrons accessibility to information and literature. Her article titled, "Information Power to All Patrons" illustrates how shrinking the digital divide between disabled patrons and electronic resources greatly empowers library users with special needs. Specifically, she cites “54 million people (approximately 19 percent of the US population)” as possessing a disability. In considering this statistic, it becomes clear to the reader that there is a great need for access to assistive technologies and e-resources that uphold the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which work to increase accessibility to web content for people with visual, physical, auditory, learning, or cognitive disabilities.
Mates further suggests that libraries who fail “to provide full access to information will prevent people from fully participating in the learning process.” As in any library, understanding the demographics that utilize your library services is one of the first steps in identifying how to accommodate users who may be affected by a disability.
One of the biggest obstacles that libraries face in accommodating handicapped individuals is the diminishment of library budgets. As purse strings tighten, the digital gap between users and technology widens. It takes effort on behalf of the library to seek further help and support from organizations willing to provide monies or support. Mates advises libraries and staff to check for Library Service Technology Act (LSTA) grants that “target funds for accessibility projects.” According to the ALA's description of LSTA, one can describe this act as consisting of:
Federal resources [that] help target library services to people of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, to individuals with disabilities, and to people with limited literacy skills.
According to Mates, increasing access to assistive technology is only part of the fight for more increased access for handicapped patrons; she also believes that the patrons themselves are resistant to embracing new forms of assistive technologies because of a steep learning curve in understanding certain technological tools or utilizing the internet.
In parallel with this opinion, another article by Lussiers-Desrochers et al. examines the power of digital citizenship for people with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) by discussing how to “enhance people’s power to act and promote equal citizen participation” through the use of digital communication and technology. Lussiers-Desrochers et al. suggests that some software programs promoting autonomy and social participation creates more inclusivity for this particular population.
Similar to other disabilities, the digital inclusion of those with ID has many benefits including: social belonging and increased social communication (Lussiers-Desrochers et al.). Libraries possessing an awareness of internet or technology acquisition usage for persons with disabilities will be able to better customize resources and training to create more inclusivity.
For more information about Library involvement in ameliorating the digital divide, watch this short video by the American Library Association to understand how access to technology is imperative to a person’s ability to thrive in the 21st century. Facilitating digital literacy for individuals with disabilities through inclusive assistive technology and instruction enables all library users to truly benefit from library resources. Enhancing the accessibility to technology, communication, and information for disabled individuals can enhance autonomy and inclusivity within marginalized communities; this action empowers persons with disabilities by providing the tools necessary to thrive in a world governed by technology.
Works Cited
ALA Washington Office. “Libraries, the Digital Divide and How We Can Bridge It.” YouTube, YouTube, 25 Jan. 2013, www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vBNp0AdWgE.
Lussier-Desrochers, Dany, et al. "Bridging the Digital Divide for People with Intellectual Disability." Cyberpsychology, vol. 11, no. 1, Mar. 2017, pp. 53-72. EBSCOhost, doi:10.5817/CP2017-1-1.
Mates, Barbara T. and Char Booth. "Information Power to All Patrons." Library Technology Reports, vol. 48, no. 7, Oct. 2012, pp. 7-13. EBSCOhost, login.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=83242900&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
In parallel with this opinion, another article by Lussiers-Desrochers et al. examines the power of digital citizenship for people with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) by discussing how to “enhance people’s power to act and promote equal citizen participation” through the use of digital communication and technology. Lussiers-Desrochers et al. suggests that some software programs promoting autonomy and social participation creates more inclusivity for this particular population.
Similar to other disabilities, the digital inclusion of those with ID has many benefits including: social belonging and increased social communication (Lussiers-Desrochers et al.). Libraries possessing an awareness of internet or technology acquisition usage for persons with disabilities will be able to better customize resources and training to create more inclusivity.
For more information about Library involvement in ameliorating the digital divide, watch this short video by the American Library Association to understand how access to technology is imperative to a person’s ability to thrive in the 21st century. Facilitating digital literacy for individuals with disabilities through inclusive assistive technology and instruction enables all library users to truly benefit from library resources. Enhancing the accessibility to technology, communication, and information for disabled individuals can enhance autonomy and inclusivity within marginalized communities; this action empowers persons with disabilities by providing the tools necessary to thrive in a world governed by technology.
Works Cited
ALA Washington Office. “Libraries, the Digital Divide and How We Can Bridge It.” YouTube, YouTube, 25 Jan. 2013, www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vBNp0AdWgE.
Lussier-Desrochers, Dany, et al. "Bridging the Digital Divide for People with Intellectual Disability." Cyberpsychology, vol. 11, no. 1, Mar. 2017, pp. 53-72. EBSCOhost, doi:10.5817/CP2017-1-1.
Mates, Barbara T. and Char Booth. "Information Power to All Patrons." Library Technology Reports, vol. 48, no. 7, Oct. 2012, pp. 7-13. EBSCOhost, login.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=83242900&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
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