ADA Resources for conference and program planners

Resources from the CLA ADA Committee

The CLA Americans with Disabilities Act Committee would like to help you provide the best possible library service to people with disabilities in your community. Established as a CLA task force in 2001, this standing committee now helps CLA plan accessible programs and workshops for the library community and is also committed to helping local libraries make their resources and programs more accessible to people with disabilities.

The committee recommends the use of this language in conference and workshop announcements and registration forms:

Special Accommodations
The Connecticut Library Association seeks to provide reasonable accommodations by request for physical access, communications, or other needs to ensure that services, activities, and programs are available to individuals with disabilities. Accommodation requests may include, but are not limited to, sign language interpretation, assistive listening devices, or written material in alternative format.

If you have a request for accommodation, please submit information at least 21 days in advance of the conference to [meeting planner or ADA committee chair] at [email address]. Include a description of the accommodations are you requesting, and describe any equipment you are requesting to be provided.

The Americans with Disabilities Act does not require the Connecticut Library Association to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or services, or impose an undue financial or administrative burden.

Resources:

The committee has developed a number of resources for CLA sections and committees on program planning which will also be helpful to local libraries as they plan programs and services in their community:

Links to Other Disability Resources:

Patron services and programs:

  • The Next Chapter Book Club offers opprtunities for people with developmental disabilities to read and learn together, talk about books they've read or are reading, and make friends in a relaxed community setting. The club meets in local bookstores, cafes, and even libraries. For more information, contact one of the following club facilitators:
    • Sophia-Louise Michalatos, The Ferguson Library, One Public Library Plaza, Stamford, CT 06904, (203) 351-8229
    • Ed Morrissey, Greenwich Library, 101 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830, (203) 622-7918, [email protected])

 

Accessible buildings:

 

Assistive technology:

 

Accessible websites:

  • "Website Accessibility" by Sharon Clapp, former CT State Library Web Resources Librarian – wasc.pdf

 

ADA for employers:

 

Accessibility links:

 

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