Library Accessibility


The Kitchener Public Library is committed to providing an accessible environment for all of our visitors.

 

For further details regarding accessibility standards and services at KPL, we invite you to download the 2010 Kitchener Public Library Accessibility Plan.

 

 

 

New FM Assisted Listening System

 

Image: FM SystemAll locations of the Kitchener Public Library now have personal FM assisted listening devices (ALDs) available for customers with hearing disabilities.  The FM system provides personal hearing assistance when background noise or distance from the sound source makes listening difficult.

 

The FM system has two principal pieces; a transmitter and a receiver. Just like a miniature radio station, the transmitter and microphone pick up the sounds you want to hear and then broadcast them to the receiver up to 150 feet away.  The receiver is a small handheld unit equipped with earphones.

 

The system is designed to mix and broadcast a speaker's voice, as well as an audio program, simultaneously in one room. The system is ideal for small groups, presentations or one-on-one personal assistance.

 

To request an FM System for use in our meeting rooms, contact the library where the meeting or program is taking place at least 24 hours in advance of the event. 

 

There is an FM System available at each KPL location.

 

 

 

TextNet TTY Service

 

The library provides direct communication to five library locations for our customers who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech restricted using their TTY machines from home. 

 

Calls are received by staff computers using the TextNet software.  Calls are answered and staff communicate via PC to the customer’s TTY. 

 

Communicate with staff directly in Information Services (for general information enquiries) and at each of our community libraries (Forest Heights, Country Hills, Pioneer Park and Grand River Stanley Park). 

 

Dial 1-877-614-4832 to contact us. 

 

 

 

Special Needs Status for Fines Exempt Status

 

People with disabilities may apply to have fine exempt status in accordance with the Circulation policies of the Kitchener Public Library Board.

 

Print the Application Form for Special Needs Status

 

 

 

Talking Books Patron Status

 

People who are unable to read print due to a visual, physical, or learning disability are eligible to apply for Talking Books Status.

 

Print the Application form for Talking Books Status

 

 

 

 

Access Centre

 

The Access Centre contains information technology and resources for customers who have special needs. The Access Centre is located in the Main Library at 85 Queen St North, in downtown Kitchener.

 

 

 

Who can use the Access Centre?

 

Kitchener Public Library opened the Access Centre in 1996. The Access Centre is an area designed to meet the special needs of our customers. The technology, equipment and resources are available to help people who are:

  • Blind, or visually impaired

  • Deaf, or hard of hearing

  • Physically disabled

However, the Access Centre is intended for use by all Kitchener Public Library customers. The Centre is also designed to help anyone who has difficulty accessing our resources in the traditional way.

 

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Resources

  • Large Print Magazines and Newspapers. The collection is a mixture of resources on people with disabilities, but also of general interest for people with low vision.

  • Reference sources: a dictionary and a World Atlas in large print.

  • Descriptive videos and DVDs: The visual action is described by an unobtrusive narrator who supplies information about what is happening during pauses in the actors' speech.

  • DAISY Books: audiobook format for people who are unable to read print. The benefits of DAISY are that the whole book is on one CD. It permits the reader to go to specific chapters or pages, and place bookmarks.

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Adaptive Technology

 

The Access Centre has a number of products, software and hardware, designed specifically for the purpose of providing enhanced access to our many services and collections. These products include JAWS, ZoomText, and Dragon Dictate software. See below for more details on technology used in the Access Centre.

 

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Access Centre Computer

 

Our Access Centre computer allows those with special needs to search the Internet, check email, and read and write documents with the aid of several popular accessibility tools.

 

The Access Centre computer includes:

  • 24-inch monitor
    The widescreen monitor allows for maximum zoom capabilities.

  • JAWS
    With its internal software speech synthesizer and the computer’s sound card, JAWS reads information from the computer screen aloud. Headphones are available at the Information Desk for use with JAWS.

  • ZoomText
    ZoomText Magnifier enlarges everything on the computer screen, making applications easier to see and use.

  • Dragon Dictate
    Powerful speech-to-text software allows users to browse the web, read and write emails, and compose documents using voice commands.

  • Microsoft Office 2007
    The full suite of Microsoft Office software is installed, including Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.

  • Internet Explorer
    Search the web and check email with Internet Explorer 7, which is fully compatible with all of our special-needs software.

  • User manuals in Large Print and Braille
    All user manuals are available at the Information Desk upon request.

 

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Closed Circuit Television

 

This machine helps customers with low vision to read, or see what they are writing. The machine will magnify, highlight, change the contrast of the document, etc. Use the Closed Circuit Television for everything from reading the newspaper, to writing out and signing your cheques.

 

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Other Equipment Available for Use

  • Hydraulic tables

  • Walker and wheelchair

  • Illuminated stand magnifier

  • Hand held magnifying glasses

  • Book stands

  • Reading lamps

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Additional Services

 

There are many services and collections available at KPL for customers with special needs.

  • Visiting Library Services

  • Daisy Book Readers

  • Large Print Books

  • Infolink: The Answer Line (TTY phone service is available)

  • Special Children's Collection

  • The Computer Centre on Level 2 has software installed on all the machines (screen narrator and screen magnifier). There are also sound cards installed on all the computers and headphones are available for sale at the Level 2 Information Desk.

  • Closed Captioned Videos. These are found throughout the collection, and are not housed in the Access Centre. Staff and customers may search for these videos by subject in the catalogue. The subject heading is "video recordings for the hearing impaired." The collection is growing rapidly and is intended for all ages.

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Have Questions? Contact Us!

 

For further information about accessibility services at KPL, please contact:

 

Julie Curry

Coordinator, Borrower Services

519-743-0271 ext. 286

julie.curry@kpl.org