ALA/ASCLA Toolkit

The ASCLA (Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies) division of the American Library Association provides an online "toolkit" of information intended to assist librarians and other library staff in meeting the needs of library users with a disability. Here is the link: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/ascla/asclaprotools/accessibilitytipsheets/default.cfm
Each of the 15 tipsheets has basic information regarding the proper ways to interact with a library user who has a specific access issue such as a visual, hearing or physical disability. Each of the tipsheets also has a listing of resources that might help library staff assist library users with a disability.

Talking Book application certification

Yes, Librarians can certify Talking Book applications. We often receive questions regarding whether librarians at the Jacksonville Public Library can certify applications for those customers interested in applying for Talking Book service. Even though the application does not specifically list "librarian" as a certifying authority, a librarian is considered a "qualified person". If the customer's disability is obvious (ex. white cane, guide dog, etc.) or the customer explains that because of their age or declining health that they are unable to read large print it is the librarian's discretion as to whether or not he or she feels comfortable in certifying the customer's application. If a librarian feels that none of these criteria is valid he or she should just recommend the customer to another certifying authority such as a doctor, nurse, or other qualified person listed on the application.

Closed Caption Movie Series

The Talking Book / Special Needs Library hosts a monthly Closed Caption Movie series for the deaf, hearing impaired, senior citizens with failing hearing and anyone else who might enjoy a movie in this format at the Auditorium in the Main Library. Movies are usually scheduled each month on the second Saturday at 1pm and the first Wednesday at 10 am. For a complete schedule and more information visit the following website: http://www.jaxpubliclibrary.org/progs/main/main_ccseries.html