Serving patrons with disabilities : perspectives and insights from people with disabilities / edited by Kodi Laskin.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction: disability is not a bad word / by Kodi Laskin -- Service animals / Kodi Laskin -- Mobility aids / Leah Keevan -- Speech assistive technology / Jackie Kruzie -- Blindness and low vision / Katherine Schneider -- Deaf and hard of hearing / Cecilia James -- Learning differences / Alex Kerr -- Conclusion: communication is key / by Kodi Laskin.

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.

Description based on online resource; title from digital title page (viewed on May 14, 2024).

WorldCat record variable field(s) change: 050