Libraries and Accessibility: Home

Sign Language Interpreters:

For sign language interpreters, call 2-1-1, or visit www.211ct.org and search for “Sign Language Interpretation.” TTY: 800-671-0737. The Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) will continue to monitor and post a statewide Interpreter Registry. All sign language interpreters working for compensation in Connecticut must satisfy the mandates of established law CT General Statute Sec. 46a-33a, including annual registration with DORS and submission of documented credentials, including certification by a nationally recognized board.

Live captioning of events:

In Connecticut, live real-time captioning is available for free through Sprint Relay with at least 48 hours notice. Either the program planner or participant can request the service.

Accessible Print Materials:

• Formatting guidelines for accessible print materials from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Accessible Language:

• Start with this resource on accessible communication styles from ASGCLA to learn more about "inclusive language that celebrates the diversity of experience," with a short list of additional resources on language and specific terminology. 
• The ADA National Network has Guidelines for Writing About People with Disabilities.
• The National Center on Disability and Journalism developed a detailed, alphabetized Disability Language Style Guide.
• This Language Guide from the organization People with Disability Australia provides guidance on what to say and not say.

Developing Services for Patrons with Disabilities:

• In August 2019, Webjunction posted an article on "Prioritizing Accessibility and Disability Inclusion at Your Library" with good reminders and links.
• Webjunction archived an October 2014 webinar called "Serving the Underserved: Children with Disabilities at Your Library" which you can view with a free Webjunction account. The associated web page includes a long, incredibly practical resource list.
• Connecticut librarian Barbara Klipper published a book through ALA in 2014 called "Programming for Children and Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder" that was updated in 2021 by Amelia Anderson and retitled "Library Programming for Autistic Children and Teens." Borrow a copy from the Middletown Library Service Center.
• Libraries and Autism provides resources and training for library staff to help them serve individuals with autism and their families more effectively.
• LearningWorks for Kids has developed gaming recommendations for alternative learners with autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other learning difficulties.

These state agencies and nonprofits provide services for persons with disabilities and can advise libraries on how to adapt services and programs to include all patrons:

• The Connecticut Library for Accessible Books (CTLAB) s a statewide service that provides reading material for anyone with a visual or print disability (those "unable to read regular print due to a visual, reading, or physical disability").
• Disability Rights Connecticut is an independent, nonprofit organization established as the successor entity to Connecticut’s Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities. DRCT works to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, their families and the disability community.
• The Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services manages the state's Bureau of Disability Determination Services, Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, State Unit on Aging, and other bureaus and departments.
• The Connecticut Tech Act Project (CTTAP) helps to increase independence and improve the lives of individuals with disabilities through increased access to assistive technology for work, school and community living.
• The State Education Resource Center (SERC) offers assistive technology, library resources, and training to educators, service providers, and families in order to support educational equity and excellence.
• New England ADA Center (Boston) provides "information, guidance, and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 508, and accessible information technology to individuals living in New England."
• Americans with Disabilities Act Coalition of Connecticut (ADACC) promotes ADA compliance. The group is devoted to educating individuals with disabilities, businesses, and governmental entities about the ADA.
• The Center for Disability Rights "advocates for people with disabilities and their issues on a local, state-wide, and national level. We also provide services to individuals and their families, as well as technical assistance and community education to businesses, government, and members of the community."
• There are several Centers for Independent Living throughout the state that help with accessibility issues.
• The Connecticut Association of the Deaf (CAD) promotes, protects, and preserves the rights and quality of life of Deaf and Hard of Hearing citizens of Connecticut.
• In addition to being a leader in educational programs and services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, the American School for the Deaf in Hartford offers sign language interpretation services, sign language classes, and mentors.
• National Federation of the Blind of CT is a nonprofit volunteer membership organization comprised of blind and interested sighted persons of all ages, their families and friends. They help newly blind people adjust to vision loss and promote the full participation and integration of blind people in our communities through the development of skills, confidence, and independence.
• Connecticut Family Support Network (CTFSN) exists to help families raising children with disabilities and special health care needs.p