HomeASCLA partners with Hewlett-Packard on accessibility initiative

Contact: Cathleen Bourdon
312-280-4395

For Immediate Release
June 2002

ASCLA partners with Hewlett-Packard on accessibility initiative

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) 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.

Krois 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, will be exhibiting 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, multitype 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.