Accessibility

Resources for Libraries on Accessibility

Buildings

• New England ADA Center: Information, guidance, and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Serving Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island.
• ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities
• ADA Requirements for Service Animals
• Information and Technical Assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act
• The Vermont Center for Independent Living offers a Community Access Program, which provides technical assistance to peers, businesses, and state and local governments toward understanding and implementing the accessibility regulations in the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Examples of Library Policies and Statements

• Library Services for People with Disabilities Policy: Association of Specialized, Governmental, and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASGCLA) and American Library Association (ALA)
• Accessibility Statement for Brooks Memorial Library Website: Brooks Memorial Library
• Accessibility: St. Johnsbury Athenaeum
• Accessibility: Worcester Public Library

Staff Training

• The Americans with Disabilities Act: What Libraries Need to Know (New England ADA)
• Disability Awareness Overview (Accessibility in Libraries with Inclusive Arts Vermont)
• The Power of Language & Disability Etiquette (Accessibility in Libraries with Inclusive Arts Vermont)
• Accessibility Features & Meeting Accommodation Requests (Accessibility in Libraries with Inclusive Arts Vermont)
• Digital Programs & Events (Accessibility in Libraries with Inclusive Arts Vermont)
• Project Enable: Expanding Non-discriminatory Access By Librarians Everywhere
• Accessibility 1: Identify Your Library’s Strengths and Weaknesses (Niche Academy)
• Accessibility 2: The Art and Science of Creating Alt Text (Niche Academy)
• Accessibility 3: Linking Practices (Niche Academy)

Language Guidelines

• Guidelines for Writing About People with Disabilities (ADA National Network)
• Inclusive Language Guidelines (American Psychological Association)

Services to Patrons

Interpreting and Captioning Services

• American Sign language interpreters
  • Vancro Integrated Interpreting Services: Provides state-wide interpreting referral services for American Sign Language (ASL) and English assignments.
  • For immediate interpreting services after hours, call Vermont 211.
• Live captioning
  • National Captioning Institute: A nonprofit corporation whose primary purposes are to deliver effective captioning services and encourage, develop, and fund the continuing development of captioning, subtitling, audio description, and other media access services for the benefit of people who require additional access to auditory and visual information.
  • NCRA Sourcebook: Provides a list of CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) captionists that provides remote and onsite captioning.
  • White Coat Captioning: A premiere live captioning company that provides remote and onsite captioning for conferences, classes, and special events. 

Accessible Programming Ideas and Resources

• Paths to Literacy: For students who are blind or visually impaired
• Simple Ways to Be More Inclusive of Autistic Families (ALSC blog)
• Sensory Storytime: Tips and Tricks for a Successful Program (ALSC blog)
• Next Chapter Book Club: Book club program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• What’s Early Lit for Kids Who Can’t See? (ALSC blog)
• 7 Ways to Make Your Virtual Program More Accessible to Patrons with Disabilities (Programming Librarian)

Digital Accessibility Resources

• Accessible IRS Tax Products
• Adobe Accessibility
• Apple Accessibility
• Microsoft Accessibility
• Zoom Accessibility

Partner Organizations

Deaf Vermonters Advocacy Services 

DVAS provides support and information to signing and non-signing Deaf, Late-deafened, Hard-of-Hearing and DeafBlind individuals in addition to outreaching and educating the public how to better serve and work with Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and DeafBlind people.

The Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living

The mission of DAIL is to make Vermont the best state in which to grow old or to live with a disability - with dignity, respect, and independence. They offer a myriad of programs and services to support Vermont residents.

The Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired

The Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) was established in 1927 and is a part of the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living, housed within the Agency of Human Services. DBVI is the designated state unit to provide vocational rehabilitation and independent living services to eligible Vermonters who are blind and visually impaired.

The Vermont Assistive Technology Program

The Vermont Assistive Technology Program (VATP) is Vermont’s federal AT Act Program. The AT Act Programs help individuals of all ages find accessible solutions to overcome barriers at home, work, and in the community as related to disability and aging related needs. 

Vermont Chapter of Hearing Loss Association of America 

Provides information, education, support, and advocacy for people with any level of hearing loss. This chapter host bi-monthly meetings via Zoom and all members are invited to participate.

Vermont Family Network

The mission of Vermont Family Network is to empower and support all Vermont children, youth, and families, especially those with disabilities or special health needs.

Vermont’s State Rehabilitation Council

Vermont’s State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) advocates for consumer-directed and effective vocational services and for the creation of resources and services that will result in equal opportunities for Vermonters with disabilities.

The Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired

The Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (VABVI) is the only private agency to offer training, services, and support to visually impaired Vermonters. The mission at VABVI is to enable Vermonters who are blind or visually impaired, to be more independent, cultivate adaptive skills and improve their quality of life.

Vermont Center for Independent Living

A nonprofit organization directed and staffed by individuals with disabilities, the Vermont Center for Independent Living (VCIL) works to promote the dignity, independence and civil rights of Vermonters with disabilities. Founded in 1979, VCIL is the only center for independent living (CIL) in Vermont and was the first organization in the state with a majority of board and staff with disabilities.

Central Vermont Council on Aging

CVCOA serves adults 60 and older living in Central Vermont, their caregivers, partners, and families without discrimination and regardless of income. CVCOA is one of five Area Agencies on Aging serving seniors and their families in Vermont.

Vermont STABLE Account

A STABLE Account is an investment account available to eligible individuals with disabilities. STABLE Accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save and invest money without losing eligibility for certain public benefits programs, like Medicaid or SSI.

Go! Vermont

Go! Vermont is a free resource that provides transportation options for people who want to reduce the cost and environmental impact of driving. The program features a free carpool/vanpool matching service, event and single trip ride matching, ridesharing tips, and other practical information on getting around by biking, walking, bus, train and ferry.

Vermont Consumer Assistance Program

For over three decades, the Vermont Attorney General and UVM (CAP) have worked together to help Vermont consumers and businesses. Consumer Assistance Program student volunteers and professional staff help solve problems with a business, find answers from state government and connect with other resources.