Top Posts of 2012

To wrap up the year, here are our top 5 posts of 2012:

1. Accessibility – Stair Ramps
2. E-Portfolios: Webinar Recap, Tools, and Resources
3. 15 Free Ebooks about User Experience and Interface Design
4. DIY Usability & User Experience Workshop at METRO
5. Is Your Library People-Focused?

Everyday Usability: Accessibility and Self-Service

On a recent field trip to Farmingdale Public Library, we came across these self check machines. They are height-adjustable. First one we’ve seen anywhere.

Check out more posts in our Everyday Usability series.

New ADA Interior Signage Rules

You may or may not be aware that on March 15, 2012, new requirements for interior signs took effect under ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Under these new rules, guidelines are outlined for typography, signage location, visual characters and even signage glare.

Although these guidelines are intended to assist the visually impaired, these requirements really assist all of us (universal design – i.e. curb cuts on sidewalk makes things easier for people with wheelchairs, strollers, shopping carts, etc.).  By setting a standard, the ADA is ensuring consistency and continuity, making our wayfinding experience easier.  Thank you ADA.

Accessibility – Stair Ramps

Attended a web accessibility webinar recently and saw this image for the slide: “Make accessibility sexy”. Rarely seen and interesting way of integrating stairs and ramps. Thoughts?

Everyday Usability: Adaptive Services at DC Public Library

I recently visited the Adaptive Services Division at DC Public Library (DCPL) and talked with staff about their programs, services and resources.

Accessibility is a part of usability.

Adaptive Services Division
The Adaptive Services Division at DCPL helps people with disabilities better use the library.

Talking Book Machine (Image Source: Library of Congress)

Adaptive Technologies
Adaptive technologies are available at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library and a selection of technologies is at the branches. See the full list of adaptive technologies.

The staff showed me some of the adaptive technologies, including the talking book player that reads books aloud. The player is available for checkout.

Programs at DCPL Adaptive Services
Accessibility DC meetup meets on the third Tuesday of every month and is for people who are interested in accessibility to get together and share. This meetup came about from AccessibilityCampDC, an unconference on web accessibility. Accessibility NYC meetup is coming soon.

There’s an upcoming free event: Citywide Assistive Technology Expo for Intellectual Disabilities on Saturday, April 28 at DC Public Library. For more info and to register.

Learn more about DCPL Adaptive Services. If you are ever in the DC area and want to learn more about accessibility, be sure to check out the Adaptive Services Division at DCPL.

Thanks to the staff at DCPL Adaptive Services for taking the time to talk with me.