I didn't know there was an ADA information help line! See below. My thanks to the person who answered the question.
Laurie Message: 3 Date: Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:08:57 -0700 From: Marti Goddard <[email protected]> Subject: RE: [Publib] Ratio of disabled to abled workstations To: Steve Standefer <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]> Hi, Steve - I called the Department of Justice's ADA Information Line: 1-800-514-0301 http://www.ada.gov/infoline.htm and the specialist there confirmed that there is no regulation specifying a ratio of accessible computers. All the specific ADA regs that speak to libraries are about access to facilities - aisle width, ramps, accessible restrooms, parking spaces, etc. The specialist I spoke with said there should be at least one workstation in the library; when I asked what that meant, she couldn't answer. The assumption was that at least one computer would be on a table that is wheelchair accessible, but there is no prescription or even guidance about hardware or software that should be included. The purpose for the ADA Information Line is described on the Web page: "This service permits businesses, State and local governments, or others to call and ask questions about general or specific ADA requirements including questions about the ADA Standards for Accessible Design. ADA specialists are available Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM until 5:30 PM (eastern time) except on Thursday when the hours are 12:30 PM until 5:30 PM." My suggestion is that you think of providing public computers as a "program of service" and work toward equitable access for library users who can't use standard computers. Working with people with disabilities and other service providers in your community will help you to know what kinds of software people are learning to use in public schools or other agencies. With that information, you can be more confident that you are putting together a resource that people will actually use! Good luck, Marti _______________________________ Marti Goddard Access Services Manager San Francisco Public Library 100 Larkin Street San Francisco, CA 94102 415-557-4557 415-557-4433 (tty) 415-557-4531 fax From: Steve Standefer [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, April 17, 2009 3:16 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [Publib] Ratio of disabled to abled workstations Dear Publibns, Is there a ratio of number of disabled patron workstations to regular workstations, and does anyone know what it is? Thanks. Steve ___________________________________ Steven R. Standefer, MLS City Librarian-Library Director Mansfield Public Library 104 S. Wisteria Street Mansfield Texas 76063 Ph: (817) 473-4391 Fax: (817)453-4975 Email: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected] > Laurie Mahaffey, Deputy Director Central Texas Library System, Inc. 1005 West 41st Street Austin, Texas 78756 www.ctls.net [email protected] 512-583-0704 x18 800-262-4431 x18
