Sherwood Library adds new accessible technology
Braille keyboards, adaptive mice, and more are now available.
SHERWOOD, Ore. — Adaptive technology and specialized software are now available for vision and hearing-impaired patrons of the Sherwood Public Library.
“I’m delighted and grateful to be able to add these resources to our library to better serve people with vision and hearing-impairments and increase access to digital tools and services everyone deserves to be able to use,” said Adrienne Doman Calkins, library manager.
The accessible work station includes a professional-grade laptop with specialized software, adaptive technology for two existing desktop computers, adaptive mice, large print and high-contrast keyboards, and a Nero Braille keyboard.
The software includes a trusted screen reader JAWS at all three workstations, as well as the typing program TypeAbility for visually impaired and one-handed typers, all operating on Windows 11.
The Tualatin Lions Club helps underserved people with vision and hearing issues throughout southern Washington County. Secretary Brad King said the group got involved because it’s a cause they support greatly, and collaborated with the Library and SHELF to develop communication tools and share information.
“This is a great step towards more independence for the vision and hearing impaired population and is a tool that takes us another step closer to keep the Lions promise to Helen Keller to be the ‘Knights of the Blind’ in the fight against darkness,” said Derek Sandell, president of the Tualatin Lions Club.
The new accessible technology stations were funded by a $3,500 grant won by the Sherwood Library Foundation (SHELF), from the Network of the National Library of Medicine, Region 5, and National Institutes of Health under an agreement with the University of Washington.
“It is the mission of the Sherwood Library Foundation to create a more accessible and equitable space for all of our Sherwood citizens, and we are thrilled to bring this technology to the Sherwood Public Library as our inaugural project,” said Madeline Robinette, SHELF board member and project director.
Patrons can learn more online here.
