Introduction to Disability Awareness: Providing Services to People with Disabilities

This series of four webinars is an overview of disability issues designed to give computer center personnel in public libraries and other community venues the information they need to plan for and create accessible computer labs and develop effective outreach to people with disabilities, i.e. people who are blind, visually impaired, deaf and hearing impaired, have mobility impairments, cognitive, learning and other types of disabling conditions. The webinars will address overall disability awareness, etiquette, web accessibility and assistive technology. The series will cover the history and legal background of accessibility and give examples of common communication barriers and specific techniques for providing services to people with disabilities and many older users. Each webinar will include links to free reference materials and informational resources for further developing accessibility policy and accommodations.

Objectives:

• Know your audience: Understand disabling conditions and common challenges affecting people with blindness, visual impairments, deaf and hearing impairments, mobility impairments, cognitive, learning and other types of disabling conditions
• Understand ADA requirements and other legal provisions aimed at providing accessible (equal) accommodations and internet access for people with disabilities
• Gain comfort with discussing disability and disability issues
• Learn accessibility and assistive technology terms, tools and techniques
• Learn effective techniques for accommodating seniors and others with disabling conditions
• Learn People First language
• Know where to find additional resources for creating an accessible computer lab and effective

Topics and Dates:

Creating a Welcoming Environment
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Registration

Accessibility and Accessible Information Technology (IT)
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Registration

Assistive Technology (AT) and How People Use It
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Registration

The Ideal Accessible Community Computer Lab
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Registration