Serving Patrons with Disabilities: Perspectives and Insights from People with Disabilities

Incorporating lessons learned from personal experiences of people with disabilities, this guide shares actionable advice on steps to make your library as accessible as possible to all patrons regardless of ability.

Ensuring accessibility is more important than ever; however, answering questions of what needs to be done and why to make a library accessible can be an uncomfortable and daunting hurdle to true inclusion. This book is a safe, nonjudgmental tool for overcoming this awkwardness, offering readers practical, to-the-point information and guidance that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Its contributors showcase real-world stories and viewpoints that illustrate ways to provide excellent customer service and a safe environment to all patrons regardless of ability. Readers will learn about

• bridging the gap between people with disabilities and those without, through empathy, patience, and understanding;
• techniques for training staff and overcoming discomfort;
• making your library accessible for people with mobility issues;
• how to interact with and assist a person with limited sight or hearing;
• guidance for interacting with a service animal handler;
• advice on library programming for people with learning differences; and
• best practices for effective service to patrons who use a speech assistance device.