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Libraries for All
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206-386-4624
SEATTLE CENTRAL LIBRARY
Public Work Group- Disability Focus Group
Meeting #1, January 12, 2000
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Library of Dreams:
- Van access parking for library patrons nearer to library.
- Personal vehicle for disabled parking access.
- Van access in underground parking.
- Parking access is key to use of library.
- Good, well-lit access from public transportation (out of weather).
- One-handed keyboards needed (Program issue).
- Large study carrols for equipment.
- Architects need knowledge of equipment, space for people with disabilities.
- Need integration of people with disabilities with all patrons.
- Blend people in 3-D ways, not people with disabilities
separate from other patrons.
- Example: Doors with sensors that open for all.
- Example: Integrating ramps and stairs.
- Think “outside box” from what’s standard.
- As much of library as possible, usable by as many as possible- “Universal Design”.
- Integration of design for maximum usability.
- Computer/technology access- universal concepts can apply here too (see above).
- Focus on universal adaptations for equipment, space.
- Voice access to computers.
- Adjustable lighting.
- Seating flexible- some fixed, some not.
- Armrest placement for seniors, mobility impaired.
- Wheelchair parking.
- Social integration for all.
- Integrate accessible seating.
- No carpet pad under low pile carpet.
- Consider floor surface issues: type of carpet – weave.
- Hard surface main areas adjacent to carpeted areas.
- Slip-resistant carpet hard to move wheelchairs on.
- Chemical sensitivity to carpeting products.
- Larger seating area for wheelchair users and others.
- More elbow room.
- Doors are too small for ease of movement.
- Customized doors slide to side, don’t swing out.
- Training for library staff on TTY for effective communication.
- No telebrailles for deaf-blind in library now. Need ability to call in and out.
- Staff training to ease communication blocks within libraries.
- Program room – Braille readers.
- Bigger LEAP space: bigger doors, tables tall enough for wheelchairs to get under, Braille display for computers.
- STAR (at Center Park) can’t always provide what’s needed.
- Need technology to support deaf and blind research in library.
- Braille display for deaf - blind needed.
- Computer lab at University of Washington good to look at, too, for ideas for access.
- Level floor surfaces desirable, even if not necessary.
- Sloping floors of great concern to wheelchair users and others.
- Staff ability to interpret for deaf, deaf-blind very limited.
- Need interpreters more widely available in library.
- Altertec- TTY company.
- Need TTY, telebraille and signing staff.
- Staff education about disabilities provides better service and care.
- Ongoing training demystifies, lessens fear about disabilities.
- Add sensitivity training for staff.
- FCC regulations: electronic, communications devices need to be accessible to ALL equally.
- Materials (books, etc.) within reach to broadest range of users. Top and bottom shelves much harder to use.
- “Reach range” – keep materials here.
- Integration through adjustable and movable equipment.
- Special areas, too, perhaps but not in lieu of integration.
- Stools, barriers in aisles are impediments.
- Mechanized shelving to be adjustable, is more accommodating.
- Elevators – accommodate at least 2 large powered chairs.
- Restrooms – 2-3 accessible stalls each!
- Urinals need to be accommodating- 1 st Floor is good.
- Restrooms on all floors.
- Electric doors on stalls for wheelchair users.
- Family restrooms that are accessible (aides, children, unisex bathrooms/use, too).
- Literacy needs included for those not reading and writing, too. Explore programming possibilities.
- Escalators – should be located near elevators for ease of use by wheelchair, stroller users.
- Entry to library- Information Services at entry.
- Increase awareness for all by signage in restrooms, near phones about who primary user of equipment should be.
- All library books (titles on spine for identification)
and barcodes in Braille.
- Begin Braille with new books.
- Good awareness-builder for others in library.
- Could library encourage publishers to include Braille titles at publishers?
- More focus group meetings would be great.
- Adaptive technology for less visible disabilities like dyslexia, e.g. Kurzweil machines.
- Varieties and combinations of disabilities make difference in design, technology, etc.
Content modified: 27 March 2000
12/31/2004
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