Please contact: Krista McDonald ALAO President mcdonak@miamioh.edu 513-785-3100
From ADA Compliant to Universal Design:
An Introduction for Libraries
This preconference will feature two local speakers with expertise in providing a positive user experience for patrons with disabilities.
L. Scott Lissner will provide a brief review of how the ADA’s mandates impact library services with an emphasis on universal design approaches. The ADA mandates equal access to programs, benefits and service. Generally, libraries need to consider their space, their interactions with patrons and their digital platforms. Academic libraries also need to consider their role in the academic mission beyond individual patron services. Drawing on the principals of Universal Design his presentation will provide best practice examples for compliance with physical spaces and interactions to serve patrons with various disabilities.
Jerry Hensley will discuss the third area of compliance, digital platforms. In Jerry’s presentation he will demonstrate how users with disabilities are presented with our online resources. He will highlight best practices and websites designed for the best user experience. Conversely, he will also demonstrate the challenges users with disabilities face when accessing library websites and specific digital formats. Jerry will offer recommendations for designing digital platforms that can be accessed by all users.
