Overcoming Disability through Assistive Technology.

The development of a disability through accident or birth are not or should not be obstacles deemed impossible to overcome. Assistive technology is currently being advanced at an encouraging rate allowing individuals to live lives that can bring them joy despite their circumstances. These individuals have also been able to invent products that have helped people through all walks of life.

Inventors with Disability.

Albert Einstein (learning disability) Achievements in the field of mathematics and physics.

Ralph Braun (muscular dystrophy)Pioneer a series of revolutionary mobility-assistance devices and the world’s first battery-powered scooter and wheelchair lift.

The Library’s core mission in relationship to access.

"All information resources that are provided directly or indirectly by the library, regardless of technology, format, or methods of delivery, should be readily, equally, and equitably accessible to all library users."

ALA Policy Manual B.2.1.14 Economic Barriers to Information Access http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/corevalues

This is one of the core principles of the library that sets it apart from most institution, inclusion is not just a privilege but an absolute right. Libraries are active participants with states in providing specialized software and technology for people with disability. Currently in the state of New Jersey, libraries are teaming up with state agencies to offer patrons with visual impairment, access and ownership of equipment with new technology. This program is one that will be needed more around the country as the leading cause of visual impairment is age -related eye diseases, which will increase with an aging population. Some of the equipment being provided includes talking books and training in how to use the iPad to browse the internet using the new technology for the visually impaired.

Dina Abrams, the disability information & referral coordinator at the Texas Talking Book Program and Texas State library, recognizing that the term "assistive" can be applied to various technology made an attempt to break down "assistive technology" in three categories:

Low Vision/Blindness
Deaf/Hard of hearing
Mobility Impairment

http://www.techsoupforlibraries.org/blog/assistive-technology-tips-from-expert-librarians
https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2017/01/03/bringing-assistive-technology-to-patrons/

Empowering Library Patrons with Learning Disabilities.

"This article describes the characteristics of patrons with learning disabilities (LD) and how these characteristics might affect library use. The lack of services for college patrons who have learning disabilities (LD) in this decade is much like the lack of adequate and appropriate services for high school patrons with LD in previous decades. The old notion that patrons would somehow outgrow LD is still pervasive. The National Learning Disabilities Association definition of LD describes specific LD as a “chronic condition.” Even though some individuals are fairly successful at adopting compensatory mechanisms, they will continue to deal with their specific learning disabilities throughout their lives. Educators are obligated to provide for the needs of patrons with LD across the life span. Given the characteristics of patrons with LD, these patrons must be provided with assistive technology (AT) in order to utilize library resources on an equal basis with their nondisabled peers. AT includes both technologies and special services."

Green, RavonneA. “Empowering Library Patrons with Learning Disabilities.” Journal of Access Services, vol. 6, no. 1–2, Jan. 2009, pp. 59–71. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1080/15367960802247817.