Adaptive Equipment at the Library

What types of adaptive equipment can I find at the Library?

People with sight, hearing or mobility impairments may use the following:

At all Library locations

XP Magnifier software on all computers. To use:

• Select the "Magnify" icon at the top of the Web browser
• Or, select "Screen Magnification" from the main Library Online menu
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The Internet Explorer browser also has a zoom feature that can be used by pressing CTRL and either + or -.

At the Central Library

For people with low vision:

• Portable hand-held or desktop magnifiers with built-in lights for people with low vision are available for use in the LEAP lab on Level 1 and Level 5.
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For people with mobility issues:
The Central Library has several computers for people who use wheelchairs, walkers or scooters.

• Three computers on Level 5
• One computer on Level 1, Spiral 6, Spiral 7, Spiral 8 and Spiral 9
• All ADA-accessible computers are equipped with a trackball to make it easier to use a mouse. Patrons who would like to use a trackball on a non-ADA computer may borrow one, with proper identification, from Library staff on Level 5.
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For the deaf and hard of hearing:

• Public Teletypewriters (TTYs). Public pay telephones on Level 1 and Level 3 of the Central Library are equipped with TTYs
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For people with service animals:

• The Central Library has identified a number of computers on Level 5 for people with service animals. Please ask a staff member for help.
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At the LEAP Lab, Level 1, Central Library

For blind and low-vision patrons:

• Six computers with 19- to 21-inch monitors. You may use one of these computers for 90 minutes each day.
• ZoomText screen magnifier software. Enlarges computer text and photographs, and can read text out loud.
• JAWS screen reader. Reads text on the computer screen out loud.
• Kurzweil 1000 Reading System and attached Epson scanner. This software program is installed on one LEAP computer. You can scan a book, newspaper, or other text document. The text appears on the computer screen and is read out loud. You may use this computer for 90 minutes each day.
• PowerBraille/65 Character Refreshable braille displays. Converts the content on a computer into braille and displays the braille on a refreshable board.
• Duxbury Braille Translator program. Translates a Microsoft Word document into braille and vice versa.
• Index Basic-D V4 braille embosser. Embosses a braille document onto paper, with a single-sided or double-sided option.
• Trackball mouses. Help patrons with limited mobility to use a mouse.
• Two Merlin Closed-Circuit Television magnifiers (CCTVs). Enlarge anything placed under the camera, including books, letters and photographs. You may use this equipment for three hours each day.
• Kurzweil Reading Edge. A stand-alone system that is not attached to a computer screen. You can scan a book, newspaper or other text document. The system reads the text out loud. You may use this equipment for three hours each day.
• Digital talking players. Allows you to listen to digital books provided by The Seattle Public Library and the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library.
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For the deaf and hard of hearing:

• Sorenson video phone. Allows you to place calls in sign language, either calling another video phone directly or placing a call through a Video Relay Service. You may use this equipment for one hour each day.
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Using Adaptive Equipment at the Central Library

To use the LEAP adaptive technology lab on Level 1:

• You must show your Seattle Public Library card. Out-of-area guests can get a guest pass by showing proper ID at the LEAP desk on Level 1.
• You may reserve equipment in person at the Level 1 LEAP desk or call 206-615-1380.
• You may not use LEAP lab computers and regular Library computers at any location on the same day.
• The LEAP lab is open the same hours as the Central Library.
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