Assistive Technology

The Assistive Technology Toolkit equips library professionals with knowledge and strategies to support patrons with disabilities through a range of tools—from everyday devices to advanced software—empowering inclusive access to information, services, and independence.

Table of Contents

Definitions

Screen Readers

Definition:
Screen readers are software programs that convert digital text into synthesized speech or braille output. They allow users who are blind or have low vision to navigate websites, read e-books, and access digital catalogs.

Library Context:
Screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, or VoiceOver are essential for patrons accessing library websites, databases, and e-resources. Ensuring compatibility with these tools is a key part of digital accessibility.

Communication Boards

Definition:
Communication boards are non-digital tools that display symbols, pictures, or words to help individuals with speech or language impairments express themselves.

Library Context:
Libraries can keep low-tech communication boards at service desks or children’s areas to support patrons who are non-verbal, have autism, or are recovering from strokes. These tools promote inclusive, in-person communication.

Assistive Listening Systems

Definition:
Assistive listening systems amplify sound and reduce background noise for individuals who are hard of hearing. These systems may include hearing loop systems, FM systems, or infrared systems.

Library Context:
These systems can be installed in meeting rooms, auditoriums, or service desks to ensure patrons can fully participate in programs, lectures, and conversations.

Quick Tips

  • Keep Devices Visible and Available
    Make assistive tools like magnifiers, communication boards, or assistive listening devices easy to find and borrow—just like books. Include signage and staff prompts so patrons know these tools are available.
  • Train Staff on Everyday Use
    Offer regular training sessions so staff feel confident helping patrons use screen readers, accessible workstations, or low-tech tools. Even a 10-minute overview during staff meetings can make a big difference.
  • Include AT in Program Planning
    When designing events or workshops, consider how assistive technology can support participation. For example, use microphones with hearing loops, provide materials in accessible formats, or offer keyboard-accessible digital tools.

Overview

Assistive technology describes devices or software that enable people with disabilities to improve their functional capabilities and live independently. These tools range from practical tools, such as wheelchairs and eyeglasses, to high-tech tools, such as screen readers and cutting-edge scene interpreters driven by artificial intelligence.

The functionality of assistive technology enables people living with disabilities to change the inputs and outputs of the technology they are using. For example:

  • A person experiencing blindness can listen to screen reader software reading visual text on a computer screen.
  • Small text on screens can be enlarged with screen magnifiers to enable independent reading.
  • People who have difficulty manipulating a mouse can move the input cursor by keyboard and/or enter commands by voice.
  • Video soundtracks can be shown as closed captions to see what others hear. 

Acting as an assistive foundation, all major desktop and mobile platforms offer accessibility tools for interacting with their devices. Microsoft Windows 11 accessibility attributes are now centralized in the Accessibility settings panel. Apple incorporates accessibility in both its desktop and mobile products such as its iPads. Google offers accessibility tools in its Chromebook and Android platforms as well. Common tools in these products include the ability to alter device color contrast, enlarge text and cursor sizes, keyboard combination assists, screen magnification, dictation, and varying levels of screen reading. Although they are generally more expensive, most experts consider Apple accessibility features to be superior to those of Microsoft. Apple products offer a significant number of tools available that help people with learning, visual, hearing, and physical disabilities access information without any additional cost to the library. However, some of these built-in tools lack the sophistication required for daily use. For instance, according to a WebAIM screen reader survey less than 1 percent of users use Microsoft’s built-in Narrator as their primary tool, instead relying on the JAWS and NVDA screen readers.

A rapidly developing realm for accessibility is artificial intelligence. For example, blind computer users wanting to include images in a document or email either have to choose an image from a pre-described set of images or ask for help from a sighted person. The ability for generative AI, such as the Adobe Firefly app, to create images from typed prompts could be a boon for blind users. However, this AI software has yet to find ways of describing its created images to blind users. There are also mobile apps which can describe objects and in-person settings for blind users, such as Microsoft’s Seeing AI, but the descriptions are still rudimentary and can be error prone.

In an ideal world, all budgets would allow library professionals to provide electronic access for patrons of all abilities. In reality, however, priorities must be made. Library professionals should develop plans that allow for the purchase of essential tools that will help the most people. It is also necessary to ensure that the staff is aware of available tools and that they are properly trained to use them.

Action Items

  • Conduct an Assistive Technology Audit
    Review your current inventory of assistive tools—both digital and non-digital—and assess their visibility, usability, and relevance. Include public workstations, magnifiers, communication boards, and listening devices. Identify gaps and prioritize updates based on patron needs.
  • Create an AT Resource Guide for Patrons
    Develop a simple, accessible guide (print and digital) that lists available assistive technologies in your library, how to request them, and where to find help. Include visuals and plain language descriptions to make it user-friendly for all.
  • Partner with Local Disability Organizations
    Collaborate with local advocacy groups or disability services to offer training, co-host programs, or get feedback on your AT offerings. These partnerships can help ensure your services are responsive, respectful, and community-informed.

Data

Assistive technology in libraries is a growing but unevenly implemented area of service. While most libraries offer general technology training and digital access, fewer have dedicated assistive technology tools or staff trained to support patrons with disabilities. Accessibility improvements often depend on external funding, highlighting the need for sustained investment and advocacy. These gaps underscore the importance of integrating assistive technology into both strategic planning and everyday library services to ensure equitable access for all patrons.

  • Over 90% of public libraries offer some form of digital literacy or technology training, yet many still lack dedicated assistive technology resources or staff trained to support them.1
  • Only about 25% of libraries report having dedicated assistive technology workstations, such as those equipped with screen readers, magnifiers, or alternative input devices.1
  • Federal funding remains critical: More than half (52%) of libraries rely on programs like E-rate to support technology infrastructure, including accessibility upgrades.1
  • Expansion of AI-Powered Accessibility Tools
    Libraries are increasingly exploring AI tools like real-time transcription, automated captioning, and AI-driven screen readers to enhance accessibility for patrons with visual, hearing, or cognitive disabilities.1
  • Growth of Low-Tech and Hybrid Solutions
    While digital tools are expanding, libraries are also investing in low-tech assistive devices such as communication boards, tactile signage, and large-print keyboards to support patrons who may not use digital tools. 2
  • Assistive Technology Lending Programs
    More libraries are launching lending programs for assistive devices—such as portable magnifiers, speech-to-text tools, and adaptive keyboards—allowing patrons to try out or borrow tools for home use.3
  • Staff Training and AT Literacy
    There is a growing emphasis on training library staff to understand, demonstrate, and support assistive technology use. This includes both formal training and informal learning opportunities to build confidence and competence.1
  • Community Partnerships for AT Access
    Libraries are partnering with local disability organizations, schools, and health services to expand access to assistive technology and ensure services are responsive to community needs.3

Resources for Librarians

  1. National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (Library of Congress) – Assistive Technology Products for Information Access
    This resource provides a comprehensive guide to assistive technology tools that support access to printed and digital information. It includes descriptions of screen readers, magnifiers, OCR software, and more—ideal for librarians looking to understand and evaluate tools for their collections or services.
  2. Benetech – Accessibility Training for Librarians.  This training program, supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, offers modules designed to help library staff understand and support patrons with print disabilities. It covers accessible ebook formats, reading tools, and inclusive service strategies.
  3. Project ENABLE (Expanding Nondiscriminatory Access By Librarians Everywhere) - is an IMLS grant-funded initiative designed to provide free, comprehensive training for school, public, and academic librarians to better serve patrons with disabilities. Developed by Syracuse University’s Center for Digital Literacy, the project offers six self-paced online learning modules covering topics such as disability awareness, legal and policy frameworks, accessible library design, inclusive programming, assistive technology, and autism inclusion.

Resources for Patrons

  • National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (Library of Congress) – Assistive Technology Products for Information Access
    This resource provides a comprehensive guide to assistive technology tools that support access to printed and digital information. It includes descriptions of screen readers, magnifiers, OCR software, and more—ideal for librarians looking to understand and evaluate tools for their collections or services.

Hardware and Software Solutions

  • Screen readers: JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver are the three most commonly used screen readers. These programs enable individuals who are blind or visually impaired to access information on a computer screen through voice output. Screen reader overview.
  • Screen magnifiers: This program allows patrons with low vision to access information by enlarging the computer screen display or tailoring the display to accommodate their disability. ZoomText is a popular product in this category. Here is a screen magnifier category overview.
  • Scanning and reading: Open Book text reader scans printed text and verbalizes the text via synthetic speech.
  • Braille apps: Duxbury Braille Translation Software allows users to type text and the software translates it into Braille. A Braille embosser, similar to a printer, will emboss Grade II Braille on paper, enabling patrons to create hardcopies of documents. If hardcopy Braille is not available, it enables users to save documents to a USB flash drive.
  • Talking Typer software—Talking Typer, from American Printing House (APH), is a specially designed typing-teacher program for those who are blind, have low vision, or learn at a different pace. The program provides audio instruction and tutorials.
  • Other items include handheld magnifiers, signature guides, felt-tip pens, and large magnification devices such as closed-circuit television magnifiers (CCTV). This system employs a video camera lens to enlarge text from three to thirty times normal text size.

Tips for Assisting Patrons with Hearing Impairment or Deafness

Many computer users who are deaf or have hearing impairments will not have problems using the computer itself. Challenges may arise, however, from programs and websites that have audio cues. Other issues might ensue from the patron simply wanting to take computer classes and needing an interpreter. Both Microsoft and Apple install programs that will overcome some of the challenges presented by audio prompts.

  • Sound Sentry—found in all Microsoft Windows programs as well as in Apple computers, this program enables the user who cannot hear the embedded warning chimes of Microsoft products to see them as flashes.
  • Instant Messaging—this mainstream technology allows staff and patrons who cannot hear to “talk” with one another.

Tips for Assisting Patrons with Physical Disabilities

Persons with physical disabilities may need assistance in doing some tasks that are involved in using the computer. Persons using wheelchairs or scooters will need a sturdy, safe workstation. Table height and monitor position should be adjustable. The following items increase computer usability and safety:

  • Special input devices such as trackballs, joysticks, switches, touch pads, and augmented keyboards (micro keyboards or oversize keyboards with enlarged keys).
  • Madentec Tracker—users wear a tiny reflective dot on the forehead or glasses. A computer camera/tracker allows users to manipulate the cursor through head movement.
  • Softype—a software utility that replaces the functionality of a standard keyboard with a full-featured, onscreen keyboard.

Resources

References

  1. Public Library Association. (2024). 2023 Public Library Technology Survey: Summary Report. American Library Association. https://www.ala.org/sites/default/files/2024-07/PLA_Tech_Survey_Report_2024.pdf
  2. National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. (n.d.). Assistive technology products for information access. Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/nls/services-and-resources/informational-publications/assistive-technology-products-information-access/
  3. Georgia Institute of Technology. (n.d.). Tools for Life: Georgia’s Assistive Technology Act Program. https://gatfl.gatech.edu/ 
  4.