ASCLA and HP: Accessibility Partners
Interface Volume 24, Fall, 2002. Interface is the newsletter published by the ASCLA division of the ALA. The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) has announced a new strategic initiative with Hewlett-Packard (HP) called "Library Technology Access," which will help develop accessible computer workstation solutions for libraries nationwide. These workstations, complete with assistive technology, Internet access and training, will bring a new level of accessibility to people with disabilities, connecting them with the benefits and opportunities of the information revolution through public libraries.
Volume 24, Number 3 2002
ASCLA and HP: Accessibility Partners
The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) has announced a new strategic initiative with
Hewlett-Packard (HP) called "Library Technology Access," which will help develop accessible computer workstation solutions
for libraries nationwide. These workstations, complete with assistive technology, Internet access and training, will bring
a new level of accessibility to people with disabilities, connecting them with the benefits and opportunities of the
information revolution through public libraries. As a key part of this initiative, HP will donate a total of 12 workstations
to six libraries to demonstrate the solution. Resources will be provided to further expand the initial pilot to enable
technology access for people with disabilities within libraries across the nation.
"We are pleased to be working with Hewlett-Packard on this project because it fits well with ASCLA's ongoing efforts to
create an accessible library environment for everyone," stated ASCLA President Jerry Krois. He appointed three ASCLA members
to work with Hewlett-Packard on the project: Marti Goddard, access services manager, San Francisco Public Library; Mimi
McCain, special needs center supervisor, Phoenix Public Library; and Marilyn Irwin, director, Office of Dissemination,
Indiana Institute on Disability/Community.
"At HP, we share ALA's commitment to people with disabilities, and we believe that our partnership marks another level of
leadership and innovation that will increase access for all people with disabilities," stated Jocelyn Lai, communications
manager, HP Accessibility Solutions.
HP Accessibility Solutions, whose mission is to ensure that HP products and services are accessible to people with
disabilities, exhibited the conceptual Library Technology Access solution in the Accessibility Pavilion at the American
Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference in Atlanta, June 15-18. More information about HP's Accessibility Solutions
program is available at www.hp.com/accessibility.
ASCLA, a division of ALA, represents state library agencies, specialized library agencies, multi-type library systems and
independent librarians who work outside of traditional library settings.
HP is a leading global provider of technology products, solutions and services to consumers, businesses and government.
The company's offerings span IT infrastructure, personal computing and access devices, global services and imaging and
printing. The merged company had combined revenue of approximately $81.7 billion in fiscal 2001 and operations in more
than 160 countries. Information about HP and its products can be found at
www.hp.com.
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ASCLA and HP: Accessibility Partners