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Home  Online Discussion Groups
Online Discussion Groups for Library Accessibility
The task of making a library fully accessible can be daunting – between the physical modifications that must be made to workspaces and the universal design features that must be integrated into technology and information services, librarians often find themselves wondering where to begin. Even those librarians who are well on their way to creating a fully accessible environment are likely to have questions along the way about emerging technology, new accessibility rules that may affect libraries, and advice on how best to serve the disabled community. It is essential that librarians engage in ongoing discussions with colleagues in order to make educated decisions about the correct technology while adhering to standards.
In response to the growing need for guidance, many organizations have created discussion lists and Web portals where disability experts and librarians can share information on best practices and recommend successful services or accessibility techniques. In addition, discussion groups will help to keep librarians abreast of emerging assistive technology and ever-changing accessibility laws and standards.
The following list of discussion groups and information exchanges serves as an excellent starting point for librarians who are looking to become informed about accessibility. Though the list is far from complete, it does present many resources that may prove invaluable to librarians who are striving to meet these rigorous requirements.
E-mail Lists
* ADAPT-L – Discusses adaptive technology in libraries.
Email listserv@american.edu
* ATOUTCOMES – Supports the use of assistive technology measures.
Email majordomo@snow.utoronto.ca
* AXSLIB-L – For librarians concerned with accessibility.
http://www.rit.edu/~easi/lib/axslib-l.html
* EASI – Equal Access to Software and Information. Discusses technology access for disabled persons.
http://www.rit.edu/~easi/lists.htm
* KIOSK-L – Discusses strategies for making kiosk and touch screen products accessible.
http://www.tracecenter.org:8080/mailman/listinfo/
* SEC508 – A forum for discussing issues surrounding Section 508.
http://www.tracecenter.org:8080/mailman/listinfo/
* TECHWATCH -- Administered by the National Council on Disability; discuss technology trends
http://www.tracecenter.org:8080/mailman/listinfo/
* UACCESS-L -- Discuss universal access with regards to information systems
http://www.tracecenter.org:8080/mailman/listinfo/
* UNIVERSALDESIGN-ED – Discusses teaching or advocating for universal design and trying to educate in the broadest sense
http://www.tracecenter.org:8080/mailman/listinfo/
Discussion Groups
* Site Building & Testing – Discusses issues surrounding the accessibility of Web sites.
http://www.accessifyforum.com/forum2/?sid=2ed40dae58dcf8cb751ee1e5c08049c3
* Legal Issues & Standards – Discusses the content and application of accessibility laws.
http://www.accessifyforum.com/forum1/?sid=2ed40dae58dcf8cb751ee1e5c08049c3
* News & Resources – Provides updates in the assistive technology world and other news items that pertain to accessibility
http://www.accessifyforum.com/forum6/?sid=2ed40dae58dcf8cb751ee1e5c08049c3
* Site Critiques – Allows librarians to submit their website to a panel to determine its level of accessibility
http://www.accessifyforum.com/forum11/?sid=2ed40dae58dcf8cb751ee1e5c08049c3
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