Users with Disabilities
Users with disabilities are encouraged to ask library staff members for assistance or accommodation in using any of the library’s services. Please schedule an appointment by contacting the Circulation Department, at (225) 771-2855 or Reference Deparment (225) 771-2875.
Examples of the type of assistance the library can provide:
- Retrieval of books and materials from stacks and shelf areas
- Photocopying a limited number of pages with the user’s card
- Setting up personal equipment such as laptops in the study area
- Assisting in preparation of Interlibrary Loan requests
- Pulling and holding materials for a reasonable amount of time
- Using microfilm and audiovisual equipment
- Assistance with searching the library’s online catalog and databases
- Individualized assistance by appointment
- Assistance with checking-out library materials
- Other special assistance as needed.
Assistive Technologies and Equipment may also benefit users with disabilities in conducting research or study.
Access to Buildings
The Library has adjacent parking spaces designated for use by persons with disabilities. Elevators inside the library allow access to all floors.
Other Amenities
- Restrooms: The library has restrooms designated as accessible for use by persons with disabilities.
- Water Fountains: Most water fountains are wheelchair accessible.
- Emergencies: Staff patrols the buildings in the event of a power outage, fire alarm, elevator malfunction or other emergency and will assist disabled patrons.
Technology
The Library is equipped with an Electronic Assistive Technology Workstation for students with disabilities. The workstation comes equipped as a complete package with the following:
- Pentium II-500/128 MB Computer
- Hewlett Packard USB 5200c Scanner
- 21’ Super VGA Monitor
- PDI Smartview (Magnifier)
- Multimedia Kit w/40x speed CD-ROM
- Multifunction Keyboard/Number Pad
Also included with workstations are the various software packages that include:
JAWS
JAWS (Job Access with Speech) for Windows Screen Reader. JAWS is a software application that provides speech technology which allows patrons access to today’s popular software applications and the Internet. With its internal software speech synthesizer and the computer’s sound card, information from the screen is read aloud, providing technology to access a wide variety of information, education and job related applications. JAWS also outputs to refreshable Braille displays, providing unmatched Braille support of any screen reader on the market.
OPEN BOOK
OpenBook converts printed documents or graphics-based text into an electronic text format on your PC, using quality speech and the latest optical character recognition (OCR) technology. Open Book can help you read books, magazines, memos, bills, and other printed documents. Open Book software translates scanned pictures back into words, and then reads those words out loud.
WYNN
WYNN is the innovative literacy software tool designed to enhance success for individuals with reading challenges and writing difficulties such as dyslexia, dysgraphia and aphasia.