Having equal access to the Library's physical and virtual environments, resources, and services is important for all members of the UW community. It has been over a decade since the Library first opened the Adaptive Technology Centre as an ongoing collaboration with the Office for Persons with Disabilities. Since then, the Library has established a significant number of accessible features and services for its patrons. Also included in the Library's commitment to persons with disabilities is an accessibility plan that follows guidelines established by the Council of Ontario Universities in compliance with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (ODA) 2001. The Library's Accessibility Plan contains tasks and goals for improving and renewing its physical space, virtual space, services, resources, and staff awareness.

Physical Environment

There are many features that the Library must consider when providing an accessible physical space for its patrons. In addition to ramps and automated doors provided by UW Plant Operations, other physical factors are assessed in terms of accessibility, such as where books are placed on shelves, location and access to various library facilities, placement of directional signs, elevator access, etc. Providing access to adaptive technology and ergonomic workspace is also a priority.

Electronic Access

By following the UW "Gold Standard" for web development, the Library helps to ensure that its web site is accessible for patrons using adaptive technology software, while presenting a "look and feel" that is consistent with other official UW web sites. Electronic access to the web pages, e-services, and e-resources is an integral part of the Library's virtual environment. Some of the accessibility features implemented by the Library in this regard includes a text only version of the Library's homepage, plus compliance with international Web standards and UW Web Development Standards and Guidelines.

Services and Resources

With the formal collaboration between the Office for Persons with Disabilities and the Library, a variety of services and resources are available for eligible patrons. Janet Wason, the Library's Coordinator for Services for Persons with Disabilities, provides registered users with research advice, locating alternative format materials, and assists with the equipment available in the Adaptive Technology Centre. Other services available from the Library include an interlibrary loan system for borrowing resources from the W. Ross MacDonald School Resource Services Library (located in Guelph, Ontario), the retrieval of materials located in the stacks by request, and extended loan privileges.

Staff Awareness

Staff at the UW Library are receptive and aware of developing issues and trends pertaining to accessibility and persons with disabilities. On June 4, 2003, staff and student ambassadors from the Office for Persons with Disabilities gave a presentation on 'Disabilities Issues' to library staff. Similar current awareness information sessions are on-going to increase staff knowledge and support for persons with disabilities.

More Info

Please see the Library's Accessibility Plan for detailed information about its past and current accessibility initiatives.

Please see the UW Accessibility Plan for how UW addresses accessibility.

Visit the UW Web Development web site for more information on standards, guidelines, and accessible web design.

For further information about the Library and Accessibility, please contact:

Janet Wason
Coordinator, Services for Persons with Disabilities
Library Associate, Information Services and Resources
Ext. 33012