From assistive technology to digitization projects, the best way to achieve accessibility is to make it a priority. To learn more about providing complete accessibility in your library, the best place to start is with the Americans with Disabilities Act, which provides a foundation for important accessibility issues, such as drafting policy and designing spaces.

Section 508 was passed by Congress in 1998 to meet the need of accessibility in information technology. Providing for equal access to technology is crucial for libraries. Computer Accessibility includes consideration of a variety of factors:

• Implementation of Assistive Technology.
• Is your library’s website accessible? A large discipline has formed around Building Accessible Web Sites.
• Digitizing provides great opportunities for achieving accessibility goals. Two case studies illustrate ideas, such as attaching audio description to digital images and moving from eBarriers to eSolutions.

Also check out WebJunction’s Services to People with Disabilities for more resources. Do you have a story to share about how your library prioritizes accessibility? Just email content@webjunction.org.

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